Disclaimer: These characters and this narrative
are mine, so there is nothing to disclaim in this here story.
Besides, if you are still reading my stuff, you already know the
drill - you will need an open mind to read it. If you find
something you think needs disclaiming, you are more than welcome to
let me know. It won't change anything, but it may make you feel
better. Ugliness will earn you a smack to the back of your
head.

Thanks: To my truly awesome Beta Team - Phil,
Mac and Jeanne - they have certainly gone above and beyond for this
story... 26 months of reading for mistakes. There was a point when
I know each of you thought it was never going to end... because I
wondered the same thing <g>. Thanks, ya'll... this would
have been much more difficult process without your efforts. You
guys ROCK!

Author's Notes:So, it did actually take 26
months of writing to complete this sucker, and it's so much more
than I ever envisioned it would be… because I certainly never
expected it to be almost 700 pages when all was said and done.
Still, I think it was worth the effort - we ended up with a good
solid story and some great characters. And who knows? We may see
them again someday.

The Storyteller's Cardinal Rule is in effect.

Guardian
Angel

By D

Prologue

Everyone has heard of guardian angels - we probably have the
best PR department in the world. On the other hand, they're also
very good about keeping the true nature of our job out of the
press, so to speak. Oh, don't misunderstand - some guardian angels
do exactly what is advertised. That is the job of a few... to
uphold the myth that we are there for the protection of mankind.
Most guardian angels don't protect - they offer hope to the scared
and the lonely and the wounded. But for a few even that is not
their primary function.

No, for a very few guardian angels, their job is to be there at
a crucial time in their charge's life. They are supposed to guide
and help a person make the right choice. Only sometimes, they're
not in the right place at the right time and that's where I come
in.

My job is clean up. When the guardian angel misses their
opportunity, my job is to determine if the charge can be salvaged
in spite of the guardian screw-up or if there is another choice
that can be made or another opportunity offered.

This is the story of one such charge.

Chapter I

"Jim, I don't care what you have to do - just make it happen!"
The woman snapped her phone shut with an aggrieved sigh and turned
to the entourage standing next to her. "Opal, grab my day planner
and meet me in the office. We have to rearrange a few things.
Barbara, I need you to get Sen. Reynolds on the phone, please and
make sure Kent is available to pick Adam up from school. Luke, I'd
kill for a fresh cup of coffee," nodding in satisfaction when her
assistant and aides scattered. Then she walked into her office and
slid behind her desk, kicking off her shoes and removing her jacket
before settling into the day's work.

************

Let me stop a minute here and bring you up to speed. I think
you need to understand at least a little of the woman whose life I
am now in charge of trying to salvage.

Charisma Tagherty is a smart, successful woman who has spent a
lifetime in politics and as a Senator is counted as one of the
up-and-coming leaders of not only her party, but the nation as
well. She is as well-known for her charitable causes as she is for
her political platform. She has worked hard to establish her
reputation as a savvy politician, a smart businesswoman and a
caring humanitarian and has succeeded beyond most expectations -
except her own. She demanded success from herself and has done
everything she could to ensure the results she was looking for.

Doesn't sound like she needs to be salvaged much, does it?

Except she is a liar - a liar of the highest order... beyond
what you would expect from someone who spent their life as a
politician. Charisma Tagherty has spent a lifetime lying to
herself and it is destroying her and those who mean the most to
her... even the unacknowledged ones.

You see, a person can only pretend for so long - then the lies
become real and one can no longer distinguish the lies from
truth... happiness from make-believe. The up side to that is that
there is happiness - whether real or simply perceived - for a
little while. The down side is eventually it will all come
crashing down like a house of cards and what is left in its wake is
generally disastrous to everyone touched by the aftershocks.

The course she is on now is headed for catastrophe unless I can
help her be honest. Let me take you back to the beginning. Then
you'll be able to see just exactly where we went wrong.

************

"You're gonna do big things, Charisma. I have faith in you,"
Patrick Tagherty said to his five-year-old daughter with a
smile.

"What kind of things, Daddy?" Big blue eyes gazed up into eyes
just like hers.

"Anything you want, baby. You're smart enough to be anything
you wanna be."

"Really?"

Patrick smiled at her wide-eyed innocence. "Really."

Charisma Tagherty was the fourth child and only daughter of
Patrick and Okasa Tagherty. Doted on by her three older brothers
as well as her parents, Charisma lived up to her name in
personality as well as looks. Beautiful with the dark hair and
skin tone she'd inherited from her mother and her father's
sparkling blue eyes, already she knew how to charm people. She was
one of those who, it seemed, was destined to easily succeed
throughout her life.

And so it went for Charisma, beautiful and gifted, she went
through life always popular… always successful. Junior high
school introduced her to politics and she decided then that would
be her chosen profession. She liked the power and the elevated
status it gave her, and she learned how to wield that power to
accomplish the things she set out to achieve.

By the time she was a senior in high school, Charisma was
well-versed in the art of illusion and presentation and she knew
what image to show to the world at large. She was popular -
president of the Student Government Association, a cheerleader, a
track star, participated in glee club and band and spent her
summers overseas as an exchange student, courtesy of her father's
contacts. Popular, but unwilling to sacrifice what little free
time she had to having a regular boyfriend.

It suited her parents - none of the boys she hung out with in
her social circle were good enough for their little girl, and as
long as she had friends and didn't isolate herself from everyone,
they didn't see a problem with not rushing into a relationship that
probably wouldn't last beyond high school anyway. Charisma had big
dreams - Presidential dreams - there was no reason to give them up
so early in her life for a tumble with someone she wouldn't
remember when their five year class reunion rolled around.

************

Me again - sorry, but I need to break in here for a moment. In
fairness to everyone involved in this situation... angels and
humans alike... they were absolutely right. Any involvement on
Charisma's part with anyone at this point would have been
detrimental to her dreams. You see, fair or not, women are judged
by a different set of standards than men are - they always have
been. They are valued for their beauty and innocence and morality,
while men are judged by their prowess and cunning and conquests.
I'm not saying it's right - God knows we've had more than our share
of shit to clean up because of these archaic ideals - but it is the
truth nonetheless.

What we didn't know then... what we wouldn't know until much
later was there was a far bigger reason Charisma Tagherty wasn't
interested in the whole dating scene. But we will get to that...
eventually.

Let me move time forward just a little bit - to Charisma's foray
into college. This was the first time her guardian angel failed
her... something I didn't learn of until much, *much* later.

************

"Are you sure about this, princess? It's not too late...."

"Oh, Daddy... don't be silly. This is going to be so
awesome."

"Awesome, huh?" opening his arms and wrapping her in a tight
embrace. "You think you're gonna like being a college kid?"
chuckling when he felt her head bob up and down against his chest.
He kissed the top of her dark head. "All right, just don't forget
to give your mama and me a call now and then, okay? Let us know
how you're doing and what's going on."

"I will, Daddy." She tilted her head back and looked up at him
with bright, blue eyes. "Thank you for believing in me. It means
everything."

"Always, Tiger... you know that. You really are going to do
great things, and I'll be able to say I knew you when." He added
the last with a crooked smile.

Charisma snorted at him and patted his chest as she pulled out
of the hug. "You'll be able to say you *changed* me when."

Patrick guffawed and Charisma gave him her mother's smile,
blinding in its intensity. "You're right, me wee lassie," he
agreed, affecting a thick brogue. "I'm sure all the newspapers are
waitin' for that particular scoop too. I'll have your mama go
lookin' for some naked baby pictures."

Now she swatted at his arm hard. "You better not!" horrified at
the thought. Charisma knew her mother... the woman had pictures of
everything. She didn't want her naked baby butt out on the front
page of every newspaper in the country for the whole world to stare
at. She covered her eyes with her hand. "God... talk about
embarrassing."

"It'd be one way to meet the press."

Charisma snorted. "Yes, but that doesn't make it a good
way."

Patrick laughed aloud. "No, but it would certainly be
memorable," ducking when she swung at him again. "Parent abuse!
Parent abuse!" he squawked around his laughter as he tried to slide
out of her reach....

... then stopped abruptly when a blonde head cautiously poked
around the doorway and halted at the commotion inside the dorm
room.

"Excuse me... I was looking for my dorm room and..." she
consulted the slip of paper in her hand, "... and someone named
Charisma Tagherty."

"I'm Charisma," the young woman offered, pushing her father to
one side to extend her hand to the owner of the blonde hair. "And
you are...?" wondering if the eyes hidden behind the glasses were
really as green as they appeared to be or if it was just the
lighting in the room.

"Brianna... Brianna Walker - your new roommate." She took
Charisma's hand and allowed the other woman to pull her into the
room.

"Hey!" glaring at Charisma before giving Brianna a dashing
smile. "Only if you ask nice, lassie," Patrick corrected, laying
on the brogue as thickly as he could manage.

"Only until Mama hears him offer," Charisma countered, rolling
her eyes in Brianna's direction and causing Brianna to smother her
chuckle behind her hand. Patrick huffed.

"Well, I can see I'm not needed here." He turned to Brianna and
held out his hand, watching with some amusement as she hesitated
momentarily before taking it in a firm grasp. "It's been very nice
to meet you, Ms Walker. I hope Charisma doesn't make you as crazy
as she has her mother and me for the past eighteen years. You're
gonna have your hands full with this one."

"HA! Don't believe a word of it, Brianna Brianna. I was the
one bright spot of sanity in a world laden with testosterone."

"Yes, Daddy." Charisma leaned forward and gave Patrick a hug,
only to find herself in a near-crushing embrace. Brianna moved
further into the room to give the two at the door a modicum of
privacy.

"I'll miss you, princess. Just remember that I believe in
you."

Charisma kissed his cheek. "Bye, Daddy... love you."

"Love you too, princess."

Charisma sighed as she closed the door behind Patrick after he
left. Then she turned and looked at her erstwhile roommate.
"Sorry about that," she apologized, waving her hand towards the
door. "I didn't expect him to hang around so long, but I couldn't
tell him no when he asked to come with me."

Brianna nodded. "You seem pretty close," was her comment.

"He's my best friend," Charisma confirmed. "He's always
believed in me. My mother too, but in a different way." She
shrugged. "I guess I've always been a 'Daddy's Girl'."

"That's not a bad thing. Did you choose...?" motioning between
the two single beds.

"Not really... I dropped my stuff," gesturing to the luggage on
one side of the room, "but it really doesn't matter to me. I
learned a long time ago to pick my battles, Brianna Brianna.
Sleeping arrangements don't even make it into the top one hundred
as far as I'm concerned." She glanced at the small bag Brianna
still held. "Is that all you brought?"

Brianna chuckled nervously and shook her head. "Oh... no. I
just thought I'd carry the small one up first... until I found the
right room. I'll have to make a couple trips to get all my junk up
here."

"You want some help?"

"I couldn't ask...."

"Maybe not, but you don't have to - I offered. Pick a bed,"
waiting patiently until Brianna dropped her bag on the bed opposite
the one Charisma had already placed her bags by. "Great," tugging
on Brianna's arm and leading her from the room and down the hallway
bustling with activity as students began the process of moving in
to begin the fall term. "Let's get your stuff moved in." The
rumble of thunder caused a squealing outcry throughout the building
and Brianna and Charisma hastened their steps in hopes of beating
the downpour.

"So why didn't your parents come?" Charisma asked
conversationally as she followed Brianna to her car which was
naturally parked on the north forty of the dorm parking lot. The
thunder rolled even closer and she cringed, hoping they'd make it
back to their room before it let loose.

"They wanted to," she said as they reached her vehicle and she
started lifting bags from the trunk. "Unfortunately, they *both*
wanted to come."

Charisma's forehead creased into a frown. "And that's a bad
thing? I mean... the only reason Mama didn't come was because my
oldest brother's wife went into labor and she was their midwife.
Otherwise you'd have been pounced on by both of my parents - my
father the charmer and my mother the interrogator."

Brianna looked at Charisma as she slammed the trunk closed and
hefted the two heaviest bags. Charisma returned the look and
picked up the remaining two. "I can see that," she said frankly as
they headed back inside. "I'd say, if I had to guess without
meeting your mother, that you have your father's charm and your
mother's strength of will. It probably gets you pretty much
everything you want."

Brianna laughed, her face tilted up to the heavens just as the
bottom dropped out of the sky. "Not at all... just very
observant."

"I'll buy that for now Brianna Brianna," Charisma agreed. "But
it still doesn't explain why your folks aren't here," raising her
voice to be heard over the rapid pelting of raindrops. They
reached the building dripping wet, and stood in the common room
shedding wet for several minutes before deciding to take things
upstairs. Only when the door was firmly closed behind them did
Brianna deign to answer.

"My parents are divorced... have been since I was about five. I
don't know what happened between them, but let's just say the
settlement was less than amicable. Everything about me became a
competition between them, and I just couldn't bear the thought of
that following me into my adult life. So I put my foot down and
refused to allow either of them to come here."

"Wow! That's impressive. How'd you manage that?"

Brianna snorted, removing a towel from her belongings while
Charisma did the same with hers. "It was easy - I told them I'd
disown them."

Charisma's eyebrows went to her hairline. "You're not pre-law
by any chance?"

Brianna laughed again and Charisma found herself smiling from
the happy sound. "Better... I'm pre-law with a double major in
theatre. I figure one will teach me the law and the other will
give me the best tools for presenting a case. If I can act in the
courtroom, I can own it."

"You sound like a woman with a plan."

"What about you?" wrapping the damp towel around her neck and
turned her back to Charisma to slip out of her wet clothes. "What
are you here for?"

"A degree in political science and a minor in the law."

Brianna's eyes widened. "Can you minor in law?"

"If you schedule right, you can."

"So you wanna be a politician?"

"I want to be President. For now, though, I'm just going to
settle for being a poli-sci student with a lot of extracurriculars
to make me a well-rounded individual. It looks good to the press
and on paper."

"You've given this a lot of thought."

"Ever since I was five. Daddy told me to dream big... figured I
might as well start at the top. C'mon," sliding into her dry
clothes. "Let's get unpacked and see if we can find some space to
dry these clothes in this room. Then we can go find something to
eat... I hope."

With a laugh, they settled down to work and in short order were
heading out to find food. It was the start of a beautiful
friendship.

************

Did you see it? Did you catch what we missed? Don't feel bad -
it took me half a dozen reviews of this and months of other moments
before I caught it. It is the only reason Rafe didn't lose his job
right away - no one was quick enough to catch it, and none of us
could begin to imagine what was coming.

Let me show you what I mean... maybe you'll be able to spot it
faster knowing you should be looking for something. Then again,
Charisma is still in denial, despite what she knows in her heart of
hearts to be true - it ain't just a river in Egypt, you know.

Who knows... maybe watching them *yet again* will help me to
devise a solution to this ugly, convoluted mess.

Chapter II

I'm actually going to skip ahead three years - if you have to
sit through each and every subtle nuance between Charisma and
Brianna during this time, you'll be here for a lifetime and we
really don't have time for that right now. So I'll give you the
cliffs notes version - if you want to go through the nitty gritty
details later, there'll be time for that then.

The first year of college was an eye opening experience for both
young women and they gravitated towards one another to keep from
falling into temptations that would sidetrack them from their
respective goals. It helped them cement their friendship.

Not to say there weren't a few dalliances, but for the most part
they were both too focused on their studies and the extracurricular
activities they were involved in. Charisma became a cheerleader
and Brianna never missed a game. And Brianna's involvement in the
theatre insured Charisma attended every new performance the drama
department put on.

Charisma met Brianna's parents, separately and then together and
immediately issued a standing invitation for Brianna to join her on
breaks and holidays. Patrick and Okasa welcomed Brianna as another
daughter and Charisma's brothers treated her as though she was the
coolest thing since sliced bread. Charisma could have gotten
jealous, but she was too busy enjoying Brianna's reaction to a
family life that was so different from her own. Brianna was soon
immersed in what a real family was like - the good and the bad.

Some of their breaks they spent traveling - Europe, Asia,
Australia - but they were very brief sojourns as both women were
enrolled in courses every term. They were inseparable and their
friends knew to include both of them in any activity they planned.
Suffice it to say they spent a majority of their time together for
three years, creating a friendship and family both knew was
unbreakable.

That brings us to their senior year - and the next step in their
ever-evolving relationship.

************

"Brianna Brianna, you in here?" Charisma called out as she
entered their apartment.

"In the kitchen."

Charisma dropped her backpack on the sturdy furniture they'd
gotten from the secondhand store when they decided to rent an
apartment together for their senior year. It wasn't much, but it
did give them each a tiny bedroom and a kitchenette that had seen
as many failures as it had successes. Judging from the scents
coming from that direction, it seemed that Brianna was well on her
way to another success. Charisma took a deep, appreciative
breath.

"Smells good. But wasn't it my turn?"

"Uh huh. But if I had to wait for you to get done with all
those extracurriculars you've got going on, I'd starve to death,"
motioning to the cheerleading outfit Charisma was currently encased
in.

"I know... sorry."

"It's all right, Ri. I understand what you're doing and why.
How'd it go?"

Charisma shrugged. "Same shit...."

"... different day. Take a seat. It's about ready."

"Guess this means I've got clean up duty."

Brianna laughed. "Pretty much. Besides, I've got rehearsal
tonight."

"Damn, I'd forgotten about that. The performance is this
weekend, correct?" Charisma rose and snatched her backpack from the
floor.

"The first one, yes," Brianna answered with a twinkle in her
eye.

"Well, since I'm a confirmed first nighter...." Charisma replied
teasingly.

"I think Professor Mac is ready to gild your seat." Brianna
blushed and bit her lip, looking away from her best friend.
Charisma noticed her withdrawal immediately and covered her hand.

"What is it, Bri Bri?"

"I'm nervous about this one, Ri. It's just...." She
shrugged.

"Just what, Bri?"

"You ever feel like you've gotten in over your head? I never
meant for this to go public. I never wanted to be a writer... not
like this, anyway. I never expected for people to be performing my
work. That's not why I took drama."

"Just what? C'mon, Brianna Brianna - this is me you're talking
to… you're very best friend in the whole world. What is
bothering you so bad about this? You were so excited about the
prospect when Professor Mac first offered you the opportunity."

Brianna let out a shaky breath. "I feel exposed... like the
whole world can see right into my mind... into my soul. It's
unnerving."

"Are you sure it's not just a case of really cold feet? Bri,
you have a beautiful mind and an equally beautiful soul. Hell,
girl... you're beautiful inside and out. If we weren't both
women...." Charisma let the thought fall, knowing she couldn't let
it go any farther. Besides, she was absolutely straight - there
really wasn't anywhere else for that thought to go, right?

Brianna tilted her head thoughtfully. "Would that really stop
you?" She smiled sadly at the mask of confusion Charisma forced
onto her expression. "Never mind, Ri. That wasn't a fair
question. Just forget it."

"No, I want to understand what you were asking, Brianna
Brianna," picking at her own discomfort at what she *knew* Brianna
was asking and trying to put a little levity back into the
conversation.

"It doesn't really matter, Ri... honestly."

Blue eyes glared into green and Charisma held onto the hand she
still covered when Brianna tried to pull away. "Would *what*
really stop me Bri?"

"Would the fact that we are both women really stop you if we
fell in love with one another? Or any woman, for that matter -
would the fact that you're a woman keep you from allowing yourself
to love another woman, even if you had feelings for her?"

To her credit, Charisma didn't pulled away; she held on to
Brianna as tightly as she had before, wanting her to understand
that nothing would change between them because of this
conversation. They would still be... would always be... best
friends.

They sat in silence for a moment - Brianna confident of what
Charisma would say and Charisma framing her answer.
Finally....

"In all honesty, Bri? I can't see myself falling in love with
another woman. And frankly, it's just not a part of my political
plan. Even if I had strong feelings for a woman, I'm not willing
to give up everything I've worked for... my entire political
career... just to be with her. Hell's bells... I'm not willing to
do that with a man either at the moment."

"Maybe you just haven't met the right one, Ri," Brianna offered
with another sad smile.

"Oh, I'm certain of that. If... *when*... I get married, it's
going to have to be to someone who is willing to be second fiddle
to my career. These college boys are still boys and they are much
too full of themselves to be of any use to me. But," she said,
pulling her hand from Brianna's and slapping her thighs before she
stood to take the dishes to the sink. "We're pretty far afield of
what started this whole conversation which would in point of fact
be your play."

Charisma moved back over and knelt at Brianna's side. "Trust me
when I tell you that this play of yours is going to go off without
a hitch, and if you're not careful, you're going to become a
sought-after playwright instead of a kick-ass attorney."

"Oh... no way!" Brianna exclaimed, pushing their previous
conversation out of her mind. She rose to her feet and pulled
Charisma up to stand beside her. "I have worked too damn hard for
that law degree to let the lure of the theatre sway me now!"
shaking her fist at the ceiling.

"Nah," Brianna said with a straight face, though her eyes
twinkled merrily. "That was aggressive posturing."

"Oh, is that what they're calling it in your law class now?"

"Well, no," Brianna replied sheepishly. "Professor Hayes calls
it theatrics, but she has admitted their effectiveness in the
courtroom if used sparingly and to good effect."

"So she approves of your drama classes now?" remembering the
sarcasm Brianna had been subjected to by that particular professor
for her choice of minors.

"Hardly, though at this point I think it has become more of a
teasing argument than anything else. Why would she bother to
attend every new performance I am a part of at least once?"

"Perhaps she is a theatre lover like I am."

Brianna pouted. "And here I thought you came just for me." Her
eyes slid to the clock. "Shit! I'm gonna be late! You've got
this?" motioning around the kitchen. Charisma rolled her eyes.

"I've got this. G'wan... get out of here before Professor Mac
sends out a search party for you. You know the roommate is always
the most likely suspect."

Brianna laughed and slung her backpack over her shoulder. "If
your study group finishes early, drop by the theatre. You can have
a sneak peek at what the piece you read at the beginning of the
term has evolved into."

Brianna made a face and crossed the threshold into the
breezeway. "Hopefully not together. Bye, Ri."

"Later, Bri."

************

Now, I know what you're thinking - you're thinking that
Charisma's and Brianna's little discussion about loving another
woman made them self-conscious about one another and drove them
apart. Actually, it didn't. It opened up their communication with
one another even more, though that particular subject never came up
again. That is the main reason Rafe missed the importance of
it.

He, like you, expected things to be awkward and for it to put
distance between them immediately and when that didn't happen, he
disregarded it as a fluke.

For our two players in this little drama, however, it was
anything but a fluke, and eventually, it would have far-reaching
consequences.

************

"Brianna Brianna, that was amazing!!" Charisma exclaimed as she
wrapped her best friend in a tight hug. "Are you sure you're
destined to be a lawyer?"

"That's what I keep asking her," Professor Mac MacAvoy commented
as he walked up behind the two women grinning like a maniac. "She
has a real gift for storytelling."

"All the better to convince a jury of her position in court,
Mac. Leave my star student alone and get your own
protégé," Janice Hayes commented to Mac with a smile.
Brianna just blushed at the perceived rivalry over her between her
two most important professors.

"I have one - she just has to get the law bug out of her system
first."

Mac and Janice looked at the two young women with surprise, then
they exchanged glances. "You're right, Charisma," Mac said with a
charming smile. He turned to Brianna. "Fabulous effort, my dear.
Absolutely exceptional work. I think it's safe to say your grade
for the year is in the bag. And if you should ever change your
mind on making drama your major...."

"Thanks, Prof," Brianna said with a smile.

"It really was wonderful, Ms Walker. I enjoyed it very much.
Now, don't you have an opening night party to be the center of
attention at?"

"As a matter of fact.... Thanks, Professor Hayes." The two
young women made their way out the theatre door under the watchful
eyes of the two teachers.

Charisma snorted. "Not that that was even a possibility with
your grades, Bri. Now c'mon... let's go celebrate your success
with your colleagues for a little while. I'll make sure you get
home before you crash or go crazy."

"Glad you've got my back, Ri."

"Always, Brianna Brianna."

************

Brianna's play was the hit of season, but despite Mac's greatest
efforts and most eloquent pleas, she continued on her chosen path
to law school.

When commencement rolled around, there were a number of tears
and hugs between Charisma and Brianna as they packed up four years
of living together. A lot of their time was spent reminiscing over
the good times they had shared and the bad times they had helped
one another through.

"You know," Charisma said, laughing through their latest round
of tears. "We're acting like we're never going to be together
again."

"Ri, we probably won't be together again... at least not like
this. I mean, I'm heading off to law school in September and
you'll be headed to DC to start your political career as a White
House aide. You're going to do big things, you know, and I expect
to be invited to the Inaugural Ball when you become President."

"Invited? I expect you to attend as a member of my new cabinet
if not as my running mate!"

Charisma sighed. "Yeah, I know. But we've got mail and phone
and if Bill is telling the truth, we'll soon be using a computer to
keep in touch."

"That could be pretty cool... if he can make it work."

"In the meantime, we have one more trip to take together and
this time, we have almost three months. I plan to make a lifetime
of memories with my best friend."

"That sounds great, but we gotta finish packing up all this
stuff first," Brianna said, motioning to the mess still scattered
around the room.

"Always something getting in the way of our fun," Charisma
grumbled. "C'mon... before my parents get here and Mama decides
she needs to help." Brianna's eyes widened. She loved Okasa
Tagherty as much as she did her own mother, but she knew exactly
what would happen if Okasa took a notion to help.

"I'm on it," and soon the two were working in tandem once more,
packing up four years of life together.

************

I'm going to pause right here because the next bit is going to
be a bit involved and you probably need a break at this point to
review all the evidence so far. Can you see what we missed? Is it
apparent to you what is happening... what has already happened
between Charisma and Brianna?

It is so obvious to me now - the signs were there. They were
just so subtle, so innocuous that they were impossible to see until
it was too late and I was called in on a salvage operation.
Sometimes I wonder if there was any way to keep this from becoming
a salvage operation, but I guess we'll never know now.

Now the only thing I can do is give my best effort to fix this
cluster.

Chapter III

You want to know one of the most interesting things about being
a guardian angel - especially a guardian angel on clean-up detail?
I spend time in the world of men as a human being. And while it's
generally not glamorous, it is fascinating. I get to interact with
a number of people on a more personal level - something I find
intriguing. Human beings are so different from angels... so
different from one another, and yet you are all the same as well.
Not in a bad way. All of you think and feel and bleed and breathe,
and those are good things. True, there are varying degrees of
success in the thinking and feeling departments, but that is part
of what makes you all human. It is one of the reasons guardian
angels stay so busy, though thankfully, I am not called upon too
often - only in cases of dire need. But when I am, it gives me a
chance to be a part of the world.

Why am I telling you this? This is very rare for me - both the
opportunity to be part of the human experience as well as the drama
involved in this particular situation. You have to understand -
until recently, we never had drama in heaven. That thing with
Lucifer doesn't count. He was a moron, and frankly, most of us
were glad to see the obnoxious prick go. The other - that's
personal and a story for another time. Maybe I'll share it with
you one day.

For now, however, let me briefly take you back to the present
day Charisma Tagherty. I need you to see where she is before I can
take you back to where we were. Don't worry - we will go back.
There's still a lot more ground we have to cover.

************

"Senator Tagherty?" When there was no answer, Esmeralda stuck
her head into the office, noting the dark head bent over a file on
the desk. A single lamp near her left elbow provided the only
illumination in the room, its small circle of light leaving the
rest of the room in virtual darkness. "Charisma?" Esmeralda called
out again, knowing no one was around to object to the familiarity
in which she referred to the senator.

Charisma's head popped up at the sound of her name - so few
people actually referenced her as anything besides her title. It
had been one reason, though not the only one, that she'd given
Esmeralda leave to do so. She had no problem skirting protocol and
getting right to the heart of things. A smile formed on Charisma's
face and she beckoned Esmeralda into her office.

"Come in, Es. How are you? How's the family?"

Esmeralda pushed her cleaning cart ahead of her into the room,
then walked around the desk to greet the now standing senator with
a brief, fierce hug that was returned wholeheartedly. Then
Charisma motioned to the chairs across the desk from hers and
resumed her seat.

Esmeralda accepted the unspoken invitation and took a chair
across from Charisma, who sat waiting with her arms propped on the
desk and an expectant expression on her face. "Well? How are
you?" she repeated when Esmeralda didn't reply immediately. "How's
the family? We've missed you around here."

"I'm doing much better, Sen... Charisma," she corrected herself
when Charisma held up a hand to do so. "It's slow progress, but at
least it's progress. And Saphira has been so patient with me."

"She loves you, Es. Why wouldn't she be?"

Esmeralda shook her head. "The last few months have been so
hard...."

"Yes, but isn't that when love becomes the strongest?"

"Thankfully in our case - yes. Sometimes though... so many
times I've seen something like this break up a couple. But she has
been my rock."

"And you've been hers as well, I'll bet."

"As much as I can. It's nice to get back to work, though."

"Well, you've definitely been missed around here."

"And how would you know?" Esmeralda asked archly. "You're not
supposed to be here this late. Aren't you supposed to be home with
your family at this time of day?"

For the first time, Charisma's eyes shuttered and her head
dropped. Esmeralda stood from her chair and walked around the desk
to kneel at Charisma's side.

"Talk to me, Charisma. What troubles you, my friend?"

Charisma smiled weakly at the address Esmeralda used. "You're
one of the few friends I have ever had, Es. Almost everyone I know
is a colleague or an employee or an acquaintance. I hope Saphira
knows how lucky she is to have you."

"We're lucky to have one another, Charisma, but that is not
answering my question, is it? Is there something I can help
with... something I can do to make things better?"

"Why would you want to, Esmeralda? Do you think you can get
something out of me?"

The attack was unexpected and green eyes burned brightly with
anger. Charisma was visibly startled. She'd never seen Esmeralda
anything but helpful and friendly to everyone and her rage was
shocking. She watched in fascination as Esmeralda deliberately put
her anger aside and returned her eyes to meet Charisma's squarely.
"I think you know how unfair that was," Esmeralda said softly.
"But I'm guessing the reason behind it has nothing to do with me
and everything to do with whatever it is that is bothering
you."

Esmeralda rose from her place beside Charisma and extended her
hand. "C'mon. I can't stay on the floor and I think you really
need someone to talk to."

Charisma took the hand Esmeralda was holding out to her and
stood, following the smaller woman over to the couch. Then she
curled into one corner while Esmeralda folded herself into the
other.

"I'm sorry," Charisma said quietly. "You're right; that was
completely uncalled for. You've never been anything but honest and
upfront with me." She paused. "Are you happy, Es?" Charisma held
up her hands to prevent Esmeralda from answering before she was
finished. "I mean - you've been through so much recently what with
Saphira's job issues and your illness. And yet, you seem to have a
sense of peace."

"I do have peace, Charisma. And I am happy."

"How? You have so little and you have been through so much.
How is it you have happiness?"

Esmeralda smiled and propped her head on her hand. "Do you
think that I shouldn't? Charisma, you yourself just pointed out,
despite everything, my relationship with Saphira has grown
stronger. Everything else is just so much chaff that has to be
sorted from the wheat."

"But don't you find the struggle draining? Don't you ever wish
it was easier... that you had more?" She broke off, not sure how
to ask what she wanted to without sounding condescending.

Esmeralda smiled. "Charisma, we can't all be leaders and
college graduates. Someone has to do the physical labor that gets
things done. If there weren't custodians and garbage men and
housekeepers, the world would be a perpetual dump. And what about
the truck drivers and the sales clerks and construction workers?
I'm proud of what I do and I'm good at it."

Charisma chuckled. "Trust me - I understand that. I know how
impossible my life would be without all those people and so many
others that take care of day to day drudgery I don't seems to have
time for. But that's not what I meant exactly." She bit her lip
and looked away from Esmeralda, blue eyes studying the office cast
in darkness and shadow.

"Charisma, you're not going to offend me. Just spit it
out!"

The chuckle this time was wry with an underlying hint of
sadness. "Why are you happy?? I look at what you have and what
you've been through, especially recently - and I wonder what I'm
doing wrong. You do work many sneer at; you live paycheck to
paycheck; your lifestyle and companion is a subject of derision and
criticism...."

Esmeralda remained silent, knowing Charisma was talking to
herself as much as she was to Esmeralda. "I have everything -
power, influence, wealth, a nice home and a picture perfect family.
And yet...."

"Yet?"

"I'm not sure I'm happy."

Silence reigned for a time, until Charisma turned to face
Esmeralda, only to find Esmeralda gazing at her compassionately.
It was nearly her undoing. Esmeralda reached out and covered the
hand closest to her.

"Who are you living for, Charisma Tagherty?"

A frown crossed her face and she turned away again. "I'm not
sure I understand what you're asking, Es."

"The Senator lives for the vote or the power or the
constituency. The humanitarian lives for those in need or the
fundraising efforts or the next charity event. The wife lives for
her husband," noting the flicker that passed over Charisma's face,
"sharing a life and love and a home. The mom lives for the child
as a provider and teacher and guide. Then there's the woman - the
person Charisma Tagherty is deep in her heart - the one who thinks
and feels and laughs and cries."

"I haven't seen that Charisma Tagherty in a long, long time.
There's not room for her in my world."

"You'll never find happiness then, Charisma. Until you're happy
with the person you are, the most you will ever find is
contentment."

"You make it sound so simple."

Esmeralda laughed. "If only it was. The truth is, it's the
hardest thing in the world. It's easy to live for others - you
only have to be honest as far as their expectations are concerned.
With yourself - you can lie to yourself, but you still know that
you're lying."

Esmeralda smiled. "Only you know if you're lying and what
you're lying about. You wanted to know why you're not happy. I'm
just offering you an explanation based on my experience and
observations." She took a deep breath. "Maybe you should consider
Charisma's happiness first for a change."

"I'm not sure I know how to do that anymore."

"Do you remember the last time you were happy?"

Charisma sighed. "I was happy when Adam was born. He's brought
such joy into my life. I almost gave up my career then."

"But...?"

"But it's not enough. It wasn't enough then."

"What would be? What would bring you happiness, Charisma?"

"I don't know, Es. I really don't know."

Esmeralda was silent for a while. "Go home, Charisma. Whatever
you're working on here will wait for another day. Go home and
spend some time with your family. Maybe it will help you remember
what happiness is."

"And if it doesn't?" her smile wry and a little sad.

"I'll be here tomorrow night. We can talk some more then."

"Promise?"

"Absolutely."

Charisma stood and offered Esmeralda a hand up, then pulled her
into an unexpected hug. "Thanks, Es."

"Anytime, Charisma. You know that."

Charisma moved to her desk as Esmeralda walked to her cart,
retrieving the supplies she needed to begin her work. Charisma
slid into her jacket, picked up her purse and walked to the door
before turning back to look at Esmeralda.

"Es?" waiting for the green eyes to meet hers. "Do you think I
could meet Saphira sometime?"

"Do you really want to?"

Charisma appeared nonplussed at the question. "Yes, I would
really like to."

Esmeralda nodded. "All right. I'll ask her."

"Thanks," was Charisma's only response before disappearing out
the door.

************

Being a janitor isn't glamorous work, but it is one of the best
ways to learn about a charge and gain their trust. Custodians see
and hear a lot of secrets - it's all about dissemination and
discretion. Fortunately, as a guardian angel, I learned those
skills early in my existence. And I'm a clean-up angel - I'm all
about making things neat and tidy. It is a job I do with great
success.

One reason I was chosen for this assignment was the truth I had
shared with Charisma Tagherty. Saphira is my mate and we have been
through our share trials and tribulations. Not for the reasons you
think - heaven is not nearly as uptight as some human beings would
like to believe. It really doesn't matter at the moment. What
does matter is that it added a sympathy on my part I had never had
before and a depth of truth that Charisma could feel in my words
and actions.

Now I just had to use all that to help Charisma find her own
truth... and maybe even happiness.

************

The following evening, Esmeralda tapped on Charisma Tagherty's
office door. "Charisma?" she called out as she crossed the
threshold, then covered her mouth when she realized what she was
interrupting. Charisma Tagherty lay on her sofa cradling her young
son reading to him. Esmeralda started to back out of the room when
Charisma looked up and motioned her closer.

Esmeralda pushed her cart to its customary place, then walked to
the couch and knelt beside Charisma. "Sorry. I didn't
realize...."

Twin pairs of blue eyes met Esmeralda's green and she smiled at
their equally guileless stare. They returned her smile and Adam
reached for her. Esmeralda took his hand, tickling his palm and
chuckling at the laughter it elicited. Without warning, he lunged
for her and only lightning fast reflexes allowed Esmeralda to catch
him.

Instinctively, Charisma lunged for her son, then relaxed when
she realized that Esmeralda had him well in hand. Instead, she sat
up and leaned back to watch their interaction.

The boy smiled big and reached for her long hair. Esmeralda
pulled her head back quickly, catching the child's hands and
looking at Charisma who was laughing quietly at the two of them.

"Great reflexes," she commented. "Meet my son, Adam."

"Hi Adam," tweaking his nose and making him squeal. "He's
beautiful, Charisma."

"Adam big boy," he said proudly.

"Mama's big boy?"

"Mama's big boy," he agreed with a scrunched nose grin, jumping
back into Charisma's arms.

"I didn't mean to disturb you."

"It's all right, Es. I wanted you to meet him. We were waiting
for you."

"Well, I'm glad you did. He's precious," stroking the dark head
tucked under his mother's chin.

"Yeah, he is. He's the best part of my life."

"So, he is what makes you happy?"

"I'm happy when I'm with him."

"Only then?"

"At least then."

Esmeralda shifted, sliding from the floor and slipping into the
chair closest to the head of the sofa. "Tell me the last time you
were happy, Charisma."

She frowned and looked down at the body she cradled. "I told
you...."

"Before Adam - when was the last time you were happy?"

"I don't... I don't know."

"Think about it, Charisma. It's important."

She slid back down on the couch, resting her head on the arm and
tucking her son onto her chest. "It's been a long time," she
confided after an interminable silence. "I think it was after my
college graduation."

"What happened then? What made you happy?"

"I took a trip to Europe with the very best friend I had in the
world."

"Tell me."

Chapter IV

Charisma's eyes took on a distant look and her lips creased into
an enigmatic smile. She hugged the tiny body curled into hers a
little tighter and kissed the top of her son's head. After a long
moment, Charisma turned blue eyes to meet Esmeralda's green
briefly. She shook her head a little and turned her attention
inward again, shifting her body until she was laying down looking
up at the ceiling.

"I don't remember much, really. I have impressions, mostly.
The fog in London; the mist and scent of heather in Scotland; the
Guinness in Ireland. I remember the sangria in Spain; the echoing
caves on Gibraltar; the color of the Mediterranean; the reflection
of the sun off the buildings on Santorini; the market in Istanbul.
I remember freshness of the air in the Alps; the sense of
timelessness in Rome; the amazing food in France."

Esmeralda waited but nothing more was forthcoming. "Do you have
pictures?"

"It sounds like it was magical," Esmeralda offered with a smile
in her voice.

"It was. I remember feeling happy then."

"So what happened?"

Charisma shrugged carefully so as not to disturb the child
sleeping so peacefully again on her chest. "It was time to grow
up. And life just became a roller coaster on the fast track."

"And what of your best friend?"

Charisma shook her head. "I don't know. I lost touch with her
years ago." There was an inflection in her tone, but whether it
was sadness or anger or something else again, Esmeralda wasn't
sure.

"I guess that is part of growing up and getting older,"
Esmeralda commented. "We let go of the old as new friends and
responsibilities enter our lives. It's a shame we can't hold onto
both."

"Um," was Charisma's only reply. She had closed her eyes and
her breathing was deepening and evening out in the first stages of
sleep. But it couldn't stop the tear that trickled from the corner
of her eye. Esmeralda stood and pulled the coverlet from the
couch, tucking in Charisma and Adam before crossing back over to
her cart to begin her night's work.

************

I had hoped when I asked her to share, Charisma would have been
more forthcoming. I'm not sure if she really can't remember or if
she just doesn't want to.

However, I don't need her to remember to know what happened to
share it with you. Sometimes it's good to be an angel with the
ability to rewind and review peoples' lives. I just wish it wasn't
necessary - because utilizing that option means something's gone
wrong.

Still, it's nice to have the ability when it's needed. So let
me show you what happened on that trip to Europe.

************

Controlled chaos was perhaps the best way to describe the
goings-on in the Tagherty household as Brianna and Charisma rushed
through their final preparations. Over and over they packed and
repacked their rucksacks, knowing everything they considered
necessary provisions for the next few months needed to fit into
their backpacks.

T-shirts, shorts, jeans, underwear, a thick sweater, a
waterproof jacket and several pairs of heavy socks all managed to
find a place. A few toiletries, a towel and washcloth and a
notepad, a pen and a few addressed, stamped envelopes rounded out
their supplies. They had determined to purchase sleeping bags once
they reached Europe. Though the idea was to stay in hostels and
mingle with others their age, they would both feel better about
having something to protect them from the elements… just in
case.

Charisma's brothers came to see them off before they left for
the airport and Brianna's parents both called to wish them well in
their travels. Then it was time to rush to the airport for the
flight to London.

Okasa and Patrick accompanied the two young women to the
terminal and waited with them until their flight was called. Then
they embraced each girl in turn.

"Take lots of pictures and write once in a while," Okasa
instructed them both. "And I tucked a couple phone cards into your
bags for you to use, so don't wait for an emergency to call, all
right?"

"Yes, Mama," Charisma confirmed with a nervous smile and Brianna
backed her up with a brisk nod of her head.

"Take care of each other out there and live everyday as though
it was going to be your last. This time will never come your way
again," Patrick admonished them. Then he brushed a kiss over first
the dark head, then the light and gently herded them towards the
gate. He took Okasa's hand and together they gave the girls one
last wave when they turned for a final glance before stepping into
the jetway to board the plane.

Patrick and Okasa walked to the window, watching as the plane
warmed up and rolled out of the gate, headed for the runway. It
wasn't until the plane was a mere speck in the sky that Patrick
glanced at his wife who returned his soft, knowing smile.

"Do you think they suspect? Do they have any idea?"

"Charisma doesn't," Okasa said confidently. "Or she would never
have agreed to go on this trip."

"And Brianna?"

"I think she's a little more aware than our daughter, but I
firmly believe Charisma doesn't see because she has deliberately
turned her eyes away from that possibility."

Patrick shook his head and tugged on Okasa's hand, leading them
away from the window and back towards the parking lot. "Sometimes
I wonder if that is my fault… if she thinks she has to give
up happiness to follow her dreams."

"Did you ever tell her that, Patrick-me-love?"

Blue eyes glared at twinkling brown for the moment it took for
him to register the teasing in her voice. "You know I didn't," his
voice growling though he couldn't stop the smile that flitted
across his lips.

"You have to let her make her own decisions and mistakes, Paddy.
You will always be her father, and she will probably always come
to you for advice and direction. But she's a grown woman - it's
time to let go. She's got to spread her wings and fly on her
own."

"When did you get to be so smart?"

Okasa clutched his arm, squeezing lightly and smiling up at
Patrick so brightly he was compelled to return the gesture. He
covered her hand and waited for her to speak. "Probably when I
decided to get you to marry me," Okasa admitted, causing laughter
to spring forth from deep in his chest.

"So I had no choice in this, hmm?"

"Of course you didn't. I set my sights on you and you were a
goner."

"Well," he said drolly, infusing his speech with a bit of a
brogue as he pushed the door open to allow them to step outdoors.
"If I had to go, I'm glad I went the way I did."

Okasa rolled her eyes and shook her head and together the
Tagherty's made their way to their car.

************

I know what you're thinking - if they could see what was
happening, how could an angel miss it? Trust me when I tell you
that you're not the only one asking that particular question. The
fact that Okasa was not only aware of the state of affairs between
her daughters, but had accurately pegged their reactions has
complicated things immeasurably for Rafe. *His* only saving grace
is the fact that mamas seem to have a sixth sense about these
things.

However, that is neither here nor there at the moment. The fact
remains that even at this juncture, subtle as the signs were, there
was at least some awareness of something between the two of them
and heaven missed it. Talk about dropping the ball….

Still, the signs remained subtle. They had to… for
Charisma's peace of mind.

Let me show you what she doesn't remember.

************

It was actually sunny in London when the plane landed at
Heathrow, and the two young women smiled in response as they exited
the terminal. It was a wonderful omen for the start of their
journey.

They found a hostel that was cheap yet close enough to get to
everything, then they headed out to explore the city. For several
days they went around, seeing the sights and finding interesting
little shops and places to eat. Nights they spent sharing a tiny
room with two single beds and a bathroom just down the hall.

"This is so much like our first years in college," Brianna
commented as she returned from taking a shower. "I'd forgotten how
much I hated community bathrooms."

Charisma snickered. "I hadn't. But it's the price we pay for
traveling cheap."

"Remind me to win the lottery before we do this again," Brianna
grumbled good-naturedly.

"Well, maybe the castle in Scotland will be a little more
modern."

Brianna rolled her eyes at Charisma. "I don't think indoor
plumbing was a real priority when most of those castles were built.
But as long as we don't have to run outside to use the privy, I'll
make do."

Charisma laughed. "Me too."

The Highlands were beautiful and the castle they'd found to stay
in was in the first stages of refurbishment, forcing them to share
accommodations. The room they were given was spacious and ancient,
enfolding them in a sense of timelessness.

"I never expected…."

"No… neither did I. Everything about this place is
different than what I had imagined - the palatial room, the
fabulous vista, the friendly people. But I'm glad we came here,"
Brianna agreed as they hiked the trail their hostess had directed
them to the following morning.

"Anytime. C'mon," tugging on the hand she still held. "We
should be getting back."

They walked slowly back towards the castle, only to pause when
they heard the plaintive wailing of the pipes. Charisma
shivered.

"Bagpipes always sound so mournful," she said softly as they
resumed their trek.

"Not always," Brianna disagreed as the sound turned decidedly
upbeat. "I wonder what's going on." Then they emerged from the
trail into the garden area, stopping when they realized they'd
walked into the middle of someone's wedding. They froze… not
wanting to disturb the nuptials, but unwilling to intrude on a
private moment. Suddenly, the decision was taken out of their
hands - the bride and groom beckoned them to join the circle and
after a brief glance at each other, they did so, joining their
hands with others in the circle until it was complete once
more.

The ceremony was mercifully short; the reception, on the other
hand, went on long into the night. And it was very late when
Charisma and Brianna returned to their room. Charisma sat down in
the wing chair nearest the bed and bent down to remove her
shoes.

"Wow," Brianna said breathlessly and more than a little drunk as
she flopped backwards onto the bed. "That was pretty amazing."
Her words were low and measured, the only true indication Charisma
had about how intoxicated her friend really was. But before she
could comment on either Brianna's condition or her words, Brianna
rolled onto her stomach and propped her head up on her hand. "You
ever think about that?" she asked Charisma thoughtfully. Charisma
cocked her head and raised an eyebrow in question. Brianna
chuckled. "Sorry," she continued with a hiccup. "Your
wedding… do you ever think about your wedding?"

Charisma's brow furrowed as she frowned. "Um… no? Why
would I? It's not like it's even on the horizon of possibilities
at the moment."

"And? C'mon, Ri… every little girl dreams about her
wedding to her very own Prince Charming. You're telling me you've
never even thought about it?"

"Pretty much. I'm sure I'll find the right man someday and
settle down to whatever extent my career will allow. But getting
married isn't the be all and end all for me." She rose from the
chair and padded over to the bed, dropping gracelessly onto her
back before folding her hands across her belly and turning her head
to look at Brianna. "Are you telling me getting married is now a
priority for you, Brianna Brianna?"

"What?!? Oh, hell no!" Brianna replied with a laugh. "I thought
about it once, but I realized that's not what I want out of
life… at least not right now." She shrugged and dropped her
gaze to the heavy coverlet on the bed. "I suppose if and when I
ever find the right person to share my life with, that might
change, but for now, I am happy to be free and independent."

"You sound like Rudolph." Brianna rolled her eyes.

"Better the reindeer than the elf, I guess. At least the
reindeer gets to be the hero."

Charisma snorted. "I think you should have skipped that last
glass of punch."

"I think I should have skipped more than that. I have a feeling
I may regret tonight when tomorrow comes."

Charisma sighed, then rolled off the bed. She reached for
Brianna's hands, pulling her upright and sliding Brianna's shoes
from her feet, deliberately tickling them. Brianna laughed, then
glared, tucking her legs up under her.

"That wasn't nice."

"No… but it was funny. Here," passing Brianna several
aspirin and a glass of water. "Drink up. You'll feel better in
the morning."

"Yes, mom," Brianna answered drolly, but she complied, grimacing
as the bitter taste of aspirin hit the back of her tongue.
Dutifully she chugged the water, handing Charisma the empty glass
and shimmying out of her jeans before flopping back onto the bed.
"Man, I'm tired."

"You going to go to sleep in your clothes?"

"I don't think you'd appreciate it if I slept nude."

It was Charisma's turn to roll her eyes "Nothing I haven't seen
before, Bri, but I don't think *you'd* appreciate it too much if
you slept in the nude. It's still pretty chilly here in the
Highlands in the morning. And I'm not keeping you warm," she added
with a smirk.

"Spoilsport," Brianna complained good-naturedly. But she was
smiling when she said it. She accepted the heavy shirt Charisma
passed to her, not noticing that Charisma turned her back as she
whipped off she other shirt and bra before she slipped into the
flannel. "Ah… much better."

Charisma had turned down the bed in the meantime and Brianna
climbed in with a sense of relief. It only took another moment
before Charisma was dressed for bed and she slid in beside Brianna.
She didn't even stiffen when Brianna curled up into her and gave
her a brief hug before moving back to her side of the bed.

"Thanks, Ri," she said with a yawn, curling on her side and
tucking her hands under her head.

"For what?" Charisma asked sleepily.

"Taking such good care of me," Brianna mumbled as she drifted to
sleep.

"That's what friends do, Bri," Charisma whispered before
following her friend into Morpheus' realm.

************

The first time I viewed this bit, I wondered if perhaps it was
the point of awakening for Charisma. But the more I watched, the
more I was convinced it wasn't. Why? Because I am fairly certain
she is still in complete denial.

Of course, at the time, neither young woman could foresee that
this would be the last time they would be actively involved in one
another's lives. All they knew then was that they were best
friends having a wonderful time together.

Fortunately, they took Patrick's words to heart and lived each
day as though it could be their last. They went new places and
tried new things, creating some beautiful memories. It's just a
damned shame Charisma is no longer willing - or able - to remember
them. C'mon… let me show you some more. You may as well
enjoy the rest of the trip - it goes a long way towards explaining
so much.

Chapter V

"Ya know, I knew from reading that Ireland was green, but I
never expected it to be *so* green," Brianna commented as she
looked at the rolling hills that surrounded their current abode.
"I've never seen anything so lush… so vibrant. Have
you?"

Charisma looked at Brianna as though she had grown a second
head. "Hello? Look in the mirror much?" Brianna frowned.
"C'mon, Bri - your eyes rival any shade of green out here."

Those green eyes widened. "Do you really think so?"

Charisma cupped Brianna's face in her hands and stared into her
eyes for a long moment, searching. Finally she leaned forward and
kissed Brianna's forehead. "Yes," she said bluntly, then stood and
offered Brianna her hand. "C'mon. I hear a Guinness calling our
names."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful."

And it was - the ale was cold and spicy and both young women had
more than a few before making their unsteady way back to their
room.

"We're gonna regret this in the mornin' aren't we?" Charisma
slurred as she fell gracelessly onto the bed.

"I'm thinkin'," Brianna said with a groan. She tripped over to
the nightstand that held a pitcher of water and a washbowl, pouring
a glassful and guzzling it before refilling it and handing it to
Charisma. Charisma looked at Brianna with disdain when she knocked
against her knees, then reluctantly sat up and accepted the water.
When the glass was empty, she passed it back to Brianna and flopped
back down.

"You want some aspirin?"

"I s'pose we should," Charisma mumbled, one hand over her eyes
and the other hand extended. Brianna chuckled and tapped
Charisma's lips.

"Open wide and say 'ahh'."

"Yes, mahhhhm," Charisma replied, trying not to choke on the
pills or her laughter at the look on Brianna's face.

"I'll mom you in a minute. We could always call your
mother."

"Um… NO. I'm drunk, not stupid."

"You're not even good drunk - just a little tipsy."

"Let's hope the hangover tomorrow bears that out."

"Go t'sleep, Ri," Brianna instructed as she removed Charisma's
shoes and tucked her erstwhile friend into bed. Then she crossed
the room and collapsed on her own bed, kicking her shoes off before
falling into sleep.

************

The next morning they were both moaning, but ambulatory and
after a cold shower to wash away the last of their hangovers, they
headed out to do a bit of sightseeing.

"Do you think Mama would like this?" Charisma asked, holding up
a beautifully cut fruit bowl. Brianna just looked at her in
disbelief.

"Ri, it's Waterford Crystal. What's not to like about it?"

"Good point. Are you going to get anything?"

"I'm still looking. I'd like something - I just haven't decided
what yet."

"Yeah," Brianna replied absently, her mind whirling with
possibilities. The truth was, she knew what she wanted. It was
simply a matter of choosing the right picture frame and the right
Christmas ornament. It took a few minutes, but she finally found
the perfect frame - simple in design, yet exactly what she needed
to set off a photograph. The ornament was a little more difficult
as most were too ornate for her taste. Still, Brianna did manage
to find what she wanted and soon her purchases were paid for and
she headed out to meet Charisma.

"Guinness?" she offered. "You know they'll never be as good as
they are here."

"One," Charisma answered firmly. "I want to remember this trip
and too many nights like last night will make it nothing but a
haze."

"Agreed. We need to pace ourselves a little better. So, a
Guinness and some dinner?"

"You've got yourself a date, Brianna Brianna."

************

"So, shall we head to the Continent tomorrow?"

"Yes. I promised Mama a postcard from Paris and I really want
to see the City of Lights at night."

"You just want to go to the Moulin Rouge."

"Duh!" Charisma exclaimed with a chuckle. "If I don't sow my
wild oats now, I'll never get to. It's straight into the political
arena for me as soon as we get back home."

"Do you regret that, Charisma? Jumping into politics as a
career, I mean. You seem to be giving up so much to ensure your
success at it and sometimes I wonder if you really believe it's
worth it."

"Becoming President is all I've ever wanted to do, Bri - it's
all I've ever really planned for. I've been on this path since I
was five years old. It's all I know."

"But is it enough?" Brianna held up a hand. "I'm not doubting
you're sincerity or your calling - you're brilliant, and I really
do think you'd make an outstanding President. But don't you miss
getting to live a little without worrying about how the rest of the
world might judge you for it?"

"Nah… that's what I have you for. You do all this fun,
crazy stuff and I get to enjoy it without actually having to do it.
Except the Moulin Rouge… I really would like to go
there."

"If I take you to the Moulin Rouge, you're gonna have to dance.
And don't give me that look. I know you can - I've seen you do
it."

Charisma huffed. "Fine. Dictator," she grumbled.

"I heard that, ya know," Brianna complained. Charisma just
laughed.

************

"That was fun!" Brianna gushed as they arrived back in their
tiny hostel room.

"Except for those jackasses."

"C'mon, Ri - those are everywhere and you're gonna run into them
a lot in the political arena. At least you know how to shut them
down with a smile. Besides, how many jackasses in Washington are
going to proposition you for a three-way with your hot girlfriend?
Your 'hot girlfriend'," rolling her eyes, "isn't going to be
anywhere near Washington and no one there is gonna ask once you get
your reputation back as an Ice Princess."

"You think I'm an Ice Princess?"

"Me? No, Ri… after four years together I know better,"
glad Charisma was ignoring the 'hot girlfriend' comment. "But you
did have the reputation in college. You worked hard to establish
it, remember?"

"I know."

"Charisma," Brianna addressed her dryly while wrapping her in a
hug, "You can't have it both ways, but I hope you never stop hoping
for the best from people. I would suggest you keep the Ice
Princess persona, though; you're so nice about it, you'll always be
popular with folks and it will protect you better than anything
else."

"Even you?"

"Even me. I won't always be able to be there, but that persona
will be."

"I wonder why we never got those propositions in school."

"We did - you just generally didn't hear them."

Charisma snorted and Brianna looked her question at her. "I was
just thinking - if I'm going to start hearing them, I think the Ice
Princess may get a black belt in something so she can put her money
where her mouth is."

"I never expected the Mona Lisa to be so small. It seems like
it should be massive."

"I know. It's been that way with all the masters' we've seen.
Maybe it's some sort of unwritten rule."

"Maybe. You ready to head to Switzerland?"

"Yeah… I want to see the Alps."

"Me too."

************

"It's beautiful. I could stay here for a while."

"We can stay as long as you want, Ri; it's not like we have a
schedule to keep other than our own. Maybe we should slow down and
take some time to relax instead of pushing to see so much."

"I am relaxed, Bri. And I'm enjoying the trip. This is just a
nice break from the hustle and bustle of Paris. I did enjoy the
food there though."

"Umm… so did I. I'm gonna have to make sure I make enough
money to have a French chef…."

"… and a personal trainer to work off all those butter and
sugar calories." Brianna glared at Charisma's laughing
comment.

"I hate you. Just for that, no chocolate for you," opening the
package she'd been carrying. She deliberately withdrew a piece,
sucking it into her mouth with a moan. Charisma narrowed her eyes
in calculation before allowing them to widen pleadingly and
sticking out her bottom lip in a pout. Brianna huffed. "That's
not fair, Charisma."

"All is fair in love and chocolate, Brianna Brianna."

************

The market in Istanbul was loud and vibrant and unlike any place
they had been before. Charisma and Brianna were careful to follow
the customs of the region, but it didn't hinder their explorations.
The artisans were amazing and they enjoyed shopping to their
heart's content.

Then they moved on to Athens.

They spent several days wandering the city, visiting the obvious
attractions as well as finding a few well off the beaten path.

"I sometimes wonder if somewhere way back in my ancestry there's
a Greek matriarch or something. It feels a lot like home
here."

"For me too," Brianna agreed. "Almost like…."

"Almost like we've been here before."

"I wish we had - you know, when this was all new. I imagine it
was fabulous."

They looked around at the ruins they were currently standing in
the middle of. "Considering how amazing it still is, I'd have to
agree. Remember the friezes we saw in the British Museum?"

"Yeah… I wonder what stories those really told, because I
don't think the archeologists got it right." Brianna bit her lip
pensively, then she shrugged. "But what do I know? I'm a lawyer,
not a writer."

"I think an argument could be made about that."

"Don't start." Charisma held up her hands in surrender.

"I'm not starting anything - just making a statement. C'mon,
the boat to Santorini should be at the dock soon and we don't want
to miss it."

************

Their days in Santorini were slow and laid back, in complete
contrast to their frenzied pace in Athens. Then they were off to
Italy on a sailboat that took them across the Mediterranean
Sea.

"You do realize that leaving here and going home to weather that
is turning cold and will soon be winter is less than appealing,
right?" Brianna asked as she lay topless on the upper deck of the
bow soaking in the sun's rays. Charisma kept her eyes closed to
keep from staring or glaring; she had yet to gather enough courage
to remove her top on the boat though she had done it on several of
their beach trips together. She didn't care for the looks of
appreciation and lust they garnered from men who saw them topless;
she wasn't thrilled that Brianna didn't seem to notice them.
Still, no one had made any real advances beyond looking, so there
wasn't much Charisma could do about it. She turned her attention
back to their conversation.

"I know. But at least you'll be going with a tan."

"And no one who will be able to appreciate it underneath all
those layers."

"You'll find someone, Bri. You're too special not to. Just
remember they have to pass the Tagherty test first."

"Geez, Ri… I'll be dead and buried before I find someone
who can meet all that criteria."

Charisma shrugged but there was a wicked twinkle in her eyes.
"I don't know - you found me that first day we became
roommates."

"Yes, and I think that was more due to Fate and the forces of
the universe at work than anything I did in particular."

"Being roommates? Maybe. But sweeping my daddy off his feet -
that was all you, sweetie."

"So I need to find someone who can sweep Paddy off his
feet?"

"Oh no… it won't be that easy. Not only do you have to
sweep daddy off his feet, but mama, Hunter, Rocky, Forrest and of
course, me as well. One of the joys of being part of a big family
- welcome to the Taghertys."

Brianna sighed dramatically. "Good thing I am happy as a single
woman, huh?"

"You'll find someone one day, Brianna Brianna. I have
faith."

"I already did," she whispered some time later, secure in the
knowledge that Charisma was sleeping. Then she turned over and
watched the shoreline grow closer, wondering what Italy held in
store for them.

************

The Isle de Capris was beautiful and they spent a full day
exploring before crossing over to Naples. They walked Vesuvius and
explored Pompeii, marveling at the life they could still feel in
the city.

"I wonder how much of this is actually graffiti?" Charisma
asked, motioning to the writing on a wall with her free hand as
they walked down a narrow street with their fingers lightly tangled
together so as not to lose one another in all the clamoring round
them.

"I think they're ads - you know, for beer and cigarettes. It
was probably the local seven-eleven of its time."

"You think?"

Brianna shrugged. "Works for me. According to the guidebook,
it was a storefront of some kind."

"I would have liked to have visited here then - to have seen
this place full of life and vitality. I bet it was a real party
town."

"Considering the artwork we've seen… I'm betting you're
right." They approached another piece of erotic art, tilting their
heads in tandem before glancing at one another. "Is that even
possible?"

"I think we'd have to break a couple things or grow some extra
appendages to find out."

The two women snickered at the image that thought produced and
moved further into the ruins that were Pompeii.

************

"I can't believe almost two months of our trip are gone,"
Brianna said as they settled into their overnight berth on the
train taking them to Rome.

"I can't believe you bought that book of erotic art. What is my
mother going to say?"

"Are you going to show it to her?"

"What?! NO!"

"Then I don't think we'll need to worry about her reaction."

"I think you are discounting the mothers' curse - the part where
they always know when a kid has been up to something. But I agree
with you about how quickly this trip has gone by. What a lifetime
of memories we've already made."

Brianna smiled. "I can't wait to see all the pictures we've
taken. As many rolls as we've taken, we should be able to fill a
book or two."

"And tomorrow, we'll be in Rome."

Chapter VI

When the train stopped, they linked arms to keep from losing one
another in the crush. They stepped out into the sunshine, looking
around immediately for a metro line. First stop - the
Coliseum.

They spent a bit of time in the outer area, studying the
exhibits and the architecture. They marveled at the detail and
precision involved in the building before taking the stairs into
the stadium itself. When they stepped into the arena area, Brianna
shuddered and curled herself into Charisma. Charisma automatically
wrapped her arms around Brianna and bent her lips to the blonde
woman's ear.

"What's wrong, Brianna Brianna?" blue eyes scouring the area to
find what had set off such an alarming reaction.

"I don't know, Ri. I don't like it here. It reeks of suffering
and death." She took a deep breath and met Charisma's eyes. "My
soul hurts to be here."

"Then we'll go," taking another look around. "C'mon. Let's go
see the Arches and the ruins across the way. Maybe we can get a
look at the Emperor's Palace or those baths we read about, huh?"
Charisma commented as she led them out of the Coliseum.

Brianna gave her a shaky smile. "I'd like that. I hear they
sometimes hold concerts there now. I wouldn't mind running into
one of those - I bet the performance acoustics are amazing."

"Performance acoustics, huh? I'm telling you, Bri… you
shouldn't have given up the theatre for the law."

"I had to - who would take me seriously as your running mate if
I was an actor?"

"Two words, Bri - Ronald Reagan."

"I'm not talking to you anymore," Brianna grumbled as they left
the Coliseum grounds, walking slightly ahead of Charisma. "This is
me not talking to you now."

Charisma laughed and caught up with her, taking her hand as they
wandered past the Arch of Constantine and towards the Arch of
Titus.

************

"Okay… can I honestly tell you I never expected to be
eating at McDonald's in Rome?"

"I never expected to see a McDonald's like this," motioning to
the marble and art that surrounded them.

"All right, I'll grant you that. So after we visit the Spanish
Steps?"

"I don't know. There are still plenty of things left to see
here."

"As long as we visit the Trevi Fountain, I'll be happy."

"So let's go see if we can find it."

************

"Is it what you expected?" Brianna asked as Charisma stood
gazing at the famous fountain.

"Not at all. It is more and less than I ever imagined." She
took Brianna's hand and led them to the edge of the large
reservoir. "There is a legend told about this fountain that says
that anyone who tosses a coin into the fountain will return to Rome
again." She pulled two lire pieces from her pocket. "What do you
say, Brianna Brianna? Shall we make a pact to return here together
one day?"

For answer, Brianna brought the coin to her lips, kissing it
before letting it fly from her grasp. Charisma laughed and did the
same. Then Brianna caught her hand and they headed back to the
small room they were sharing in the hostel.

"This city is amazing," Brianna commented as she curled up on
her bed. "So much history and yet so modern and alive at the same
time."

"So no more issues, then?"

"Not really - nothing like I felt at the Coliseum. That was
just creepy. Besides, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican were
incredible. I'm glad we came here."

"So am I. I was uneasy about coming here and after your
reaction at the Coliseum, I was afraid I might be right in my
feeling. I'm glad we proved me wrong. I really wouldn't mind
coming here again. But…."

"But…?"

"I need to figure out how to shrink to the size of my four year
old niece before we come back."

Brianna's eyebrow went into her forehead. "Why? Most women
would kill to look like you do."

"Maybe," Charisma agreed dismissively, "but they don't make
clothes for women my size here. Did you see how tiny everything in
the display windows was?"

"Yeah, but you don't want to be that tiny."

"Why not?"

"You're better than that. C'mon, Ri… think about this a
minute. It may be the eighties, but it's going to be hard enough
for you to be taken seriously as a woman in politics. Do you really
want to be dismissed out of hand because you look like a four year
old child?"

Charisma glared. "You know what I mean."

"Yes, and you know what *I* mean. You're a beautiful woman,
Charisma. Don't discount that, and don't pretend like it doesn't
matter to the people you'll need to eventually vote for you. Looks
may not be everything, but they are part of the overall
package."

Charisma blinked at Brianna's vehement tone. "Where is all this
coming from, Bri?"

Brianna blew out a frustrated breath. "It bothers me to hear
you talk like that about yourself, Charisma. You have so much to
offer the world as the person you are. I hate to hear about you
trying to change that to conform to some image you think you should
have."

"But I should allow my looks to influence the way people see
me."

"You're twisting my words. Your looks *do* influence the way
people see you - that is true for everyone. But it is even truer
for a politician. You have to present them with the picture you
want them to see. You like Italian fashion? Excellent…
great - I don't blame you. Have it tailored to suit you. Don't
change your whole life for it. You shouldn't have to change your
whole life for anything, Ri. Stick to your guns on the things that
matter most to you - the rest will settle itself."

Charisma narrowed her eyes before sticking out her tongue.
"When did you get to be so smart?"

"I've been smart; it's why they gave me a law degree with summa
cum laude after it."

"Smartass."

"Better than a dumbass, I always say. Now shut up and go to
sleep. If we're going to Florence tomorrow, we need to get some
sleep tonight."

"Have you always been this bossy?"

"Yes. It is the sign of a great manager. Now go to sleep."

"But…."

"I have duct tape and I know how to use it."

"Meanie."

"It will fix that pouty lip too, ya know."

"I hate you."

"Goodnight, Charisma."

************

"Okay, this is kinda gross. I may never drink wine again."

"Why? We washed our feet."

"I know we did. I was thinking more along the lines of the
gooshey feeling this is producing between my toes. It's just
slimy."

Charisma covered her eyes and struggled to maintain her balance.
"Thank you for the visual, Brianna Brianna. I could have gone a
long time without imagining that. C'mon," she added, tugging on
Bri's arm and easing out of the large vat. "Let's see what else
there is to do here."

They had stopped in Pisa on their way to Florence as a matter of
course, taking the obligatory pictures and climbing there way up
the narrow flight of stairs to look out over the town made famous
by its leaning tower. A local wine festival had attracted them and
made them impromptu grape crushers, and the locals welcomed them
with enthusiasm.

"That was a lot of fun," Charisma commented as she licked at the
gelato she held in her hand. "Despite your slimy gooshiness."

"Don't blame me. That's the way it felt."

"You didn't need to share it though. I'm fairly certain the
vinters would prefer not to have that image of their wine making
process."

"Well, we can say we made wine once. We just won't share the
gruesome details."

"I'm sure folks will be glad if we don't."

They were back on the train on their way to Florence. Brianna
wanted to see David, to see if it lived up to the spectacle that
had been the Sistine Chapel. Frankly, she didn't see how it
possibly could, but since it was considered one of the showpieces
of the Renaissance….

She tilted her head to one side and then the other, narrowing
her eyes at Charisma when she heard the soft chuckle coming from
beside her. "Are you laughing at me?" she growled, though it was a
struggle to keep the twinkle out of her eyes.

"Yes," Charisma replied bluntly. "How is tilting your head
helping?"

"It's not, actually," Brianna said as she straightened. "I
think a grape leaf might be the only thing that could save
him."

Charisma couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled over at
Brianna's words and she took Brianna by the arm and led her from
the building under the watchful stares of the other patrons.
"C'mon, Brianna Brianna. I've had enough culture and art to last
me for a while. Let's go find some fun."

Fun was fairly easy to find - there were tavernas with good food
and cheap beer, squares filled with dancing and a number of beaches
along the coast to deepen their tans and erase any tan lines they
had left. They met any number of young people, but none more
interesting to either of them than the company they were already
keeping. So they made their way across the Riviera to Barcelona,
Spain and the end of their European journey.

Barcelona was odd and quirky and exciting and in the midst of
making their bid for the Summer Olympic Games. Still there was a
lot to see and do, though some of it was definitely more
fascinating than others.

"Well, I liked Gaudi and that funky church, but I could have
done without Picasso."

"Yeah… me too. What about Dali?"

Charisma shrugged. "He was more interesting, but still a little
weird. I am beginning to think it's a requirement of all
artists."

Brianna laughed. "I'd be inclined to agree with that. Prof Mac
preached it, as a matter of fact."

"Weirdness?? Boy, that explains a lot," ducking away from the
expected slap.

"No, goofball - thinking outside the box. He believes that any
artist - painter, writer, sculptor - has to see beyond what
everyone else does to be a true artist."

"Maybe. But it takes real talent to make everyone else
appreciate and understand what you're seeing. Some of that…"
motioning vaguely with her hands. "I don't think I'll ever get
it."

"That's okay - some of that I'd rather not get…
ever."

It was quiet for a long time after that and just as Brianna
started to fall into a doze, Charisma spoke softly into the
darkness.

"I've had a wonderful time on this trip, Brianna. So many good
memories."

"For me too, Ri. I will always treasure this time in my
life."

Charisma chuckled lightly. "We're acting like this is goodbye
forever or something," the thought causing a pang in her heart.

"In a way, it is, sweetie. I'm off to law school for the next
three years and you're going to Washington to begin your political
career. We'll never have a chance to spend time together like this
again. There will always be other responsibilities in our lives
from now on."

"Okay… that's it. I no longer want to be an adult. I've
decided I'd much rather be a vagabond and wander around the world
with you."

Brianna smiled, glad the tears on her cheeks were hidden by the
darkness of the room. "That sounds wonderful, Ri. But what of
your dream of becoming President? What about that picture perfect
family?"

"I told you that family thing was a far-off consideration for
me, and I can always be President when I'm forty-five instead of
forty."

"Yes, but you know and I know you have to be working on it now
or it will be even later or never. You can't get cold feet about
it now." She paused when Charisma blew a raspberry in her
direction. "How about this? Why don't we plan to do this again -
the whole trip from beginning to end - in twenty years? Unless you
are President of course. If that's the case, we'll wait until your
term's over."

"Why so long?" Charisma whined.

"Because it will take us that long to be able to afford to take
three months out of our lives to do this again."

"I hate it when you make sense." She sighed. "All right.
Twenty years from now we'll do this again. I'll ask Mama to make
the arrangements with our travel agent when I get home. You just
make sure you've got the time to take of from your writing career
to be there."

"Careful there, Tagherty. You keep it up and I'll be the one
writing the 'tell-all' book when you become President."

"Can you do that?? Isn't there some sort of best friend law
against that?"

"Not if you keep calling me a writer there isn't."

"Very well, Brianna Walker, Esquire. I expect you to defend me
from all comers then when the time comes."

"Yes, Madame President."

************

Their goodbye at the airport the following morning was
bittersweet. Brianna was flying directly to law school while
Charisma was headed home for a few days before reporting to
Washington for the start of her internship. Brianna walked
Charisma to her gate and opened her arms, gratified when Charisma
stepped into the embrace without a moment's hesitation. The hug
lasted for long moments, and they only removed themselves from it
when the gate agent started calling for boarding of Charisma's
flight.

"I've got to go," she said sadly.

"I know. I'm gonna miss you, cheerleader."

"I'll miss you too, playwright, so much."

They gazed at one another and Charisma started to pull away,
turning towards her gate. Brianna held on, throwing caution to the
wind and leaning forward to brush her lips against Charisma's.
"I'll always love you, Ri. You're my very best friend in the whole
world. I never had one of those before you came into my life.
Thank you," she whispered, cupping her face tenderly for a minute
before releasing Charisma from her touch and leaving without a
backwards glance.

Charisma watched her go, then boarded the plane, skin still
tingling where Brianna's essence lingered. She wondered why it
felt like a forever goodbye.

************

Charisma was right of course - it was a forever goodbye.
Brianna realized what was between the two of them and refused to
force Charisma to choose. Part of her decision was based in fear -
she couldn't bear to see pity or disgust in Charisma's eyes…
or worse, a failure to acknowledge the truth. The other part
however, was done out of a desire to spare Charisma the agony of
deciding between her heart and her mind; her best friend and her
career.

Instead, Brianna made the choice and slipped from Charisma's
radar with an ease that belied the strength of the ties that bound
them together. And Charisma, unwilling to acknowledge her feelings
to herself or anyone else, let her go without a fight.

Okasa and Paddy watched helplessly, unable to do more than stand
aside and see the two women grow estranged by their own choice.
Brianna had demanded they stay out of it, threatening to cut off
all contact with them if they didn't. So reluctantly, if only to
maintain contact with one they had grown to love as their own, they
remained silent but ever hopeful. Until the day Charisma brought
Kent Rockwell home.

Chapter VII

Before I take you back to present day Charisma Tagherty, I think
I need fill in a few of the blanks.

When Brianna and Charisma returned to the States, Brianna took
steps to distance herself from Charisma. The first involved a
visit to the Tagherty home as soon as she knew Charisma was in
Washington.

************

Okasa opened the door at Brianna's knock, a wide, welcoming
smile on her face as she ushered the younger woman inside.
"Brianna… this is an unexpected surprise. Come in, come in,"
opening her arms for a hug. Brianna was happy to oblige, holding
onto Okasa tightly and rocking her gently. Okasa felt the
trembling in Brianna's frame and pulled back slightly so she could
look the younger woman in the eye.

"Brianna? What's wrong, sweetheart?"

Brianna took a deep breath and steadied herself. She had sworn
she wouldn't cry, but she'd never expected it to hurt this much.
"Can we sit down?"

"Of course, of course. Can I get you something to drink?"

"No, thank you, Mama O. I'm not going to be here very long. I
just… I came to say goodbye."

Okasa blinked. "Um… okay. Where are you going and when
will you be back?" heart sinking at the look in Brianna's eyes.
She suddenly understood what Brianna was saying, but she shook her
head against the truth she knew was coming.

"I'm not coming back, Mama O."

Okasa took Brianna by the arm and seated her on the couch,
immediately taking a place beside her. She covered Brianna's hands
and gazed at her for a long moment, seeing an aching sadness
peering back at her. "Talk to me, Little Bri. What's going
on?"

"Nothing's going on, Mama. It's just time for me to grow up and
I can't…." She trailed off when Okasa shook her head
furiously.

"Don't lie to me, Brianna Walker. I know how you feel about
Charisma. I've seen it in your eyes… in your actions. And I
know how she feels about you."

"Then you know why I have to do this, Okasa."

"No I don't. What you have...."

"What we have Charisma will never acknowledge. She can't... not
and be the person she needs to be for her own peace of mind."

"What about her happiness?"

"I don't think they're mutually exclusive. But I'm not willing
to hang around and watch her pull away and become more distant
because I can no longer hide how I feel. Or worse, have her
continue on with her life acting as though nothing is different. I
love her, Mama, but I'm not going to become a martyr because of
it."

"Brianna, you're not being fair. You're not giving her the
chance to choose."

"Okasa, I'm not disappearing from the face of the planet. If
she wants to find me, she'll be able to. I'm just taking myself
out of the mainstream of her life."

"I'll talk to he...."

"NO! No, Okasa. You and Patrick and the boys have to stay out
of this. I mean it - stay out of this or I will disappear. She
figures things out on her own or she doesn't - either way it needs
to be her decision."

"If we stay out of it, you'll keep in touch?"

"Yes." Brianna took a deep breath and Okasa could see exactly
what the decision was costing her. She silently cursed the
foolishness and folly of youth, but marveled at Brianna's
determination. "I don't want to lose any of you, Mama O. You've
become more my family than my family ever was. I'm just can't
stand in her way, Mama, and I don't know how much longer I can
pretend."

"Can I ask what changed? Brianna, you were roommates for four
years. You just spent three months in each other's back pockets
touring around Europe."

"Exactly - I just spent three months coming to the realization
that I can never have the one thing… the one person…
that makes me happy despite everything. I need some space from
her, Mama."

"And once you have the space?"

"I can learn how to be happy without her."

"And if she comes looking for you?"

Brianna couldn't stop the tears from coming to her eyes, but she
kept them from rolling down her face. She smiled sadly, biting her
lip before shaking her head at Okasa. "She won't, Okasa."

Of course, Brianna was right. But she was also true to her word
and kept in touch with the Tagherty family, spending time with them
when Charisma wasn't around. It was sometimes difficult trying
coordinate their schedules, but when it became clear that Brianna
had been correct about Charisma's reaction, Okasa was determined to
ensure Brianna didn't lose touch with them.

At Okasa's request and because she couldn't seem to walk away
completely, Brianna sent cards and letters to Charisma in care of
Okasa. She trusted Mama O not to open them, but to give them to
Charisma if the day ever came that she asked after Brianna - or if
the right set of circumstances ever presented themselves. Okasa
kept them in a locked box in her closet, hoping that one day
Charisma would talk about Brianna or ask if Okasa ever heard from
her. But she never did.

So while the Tagherty family shared their lives and holidays
with Charisma, they also made an effort to do the same with
Brianna. Without Charisma's presence they celebrated holidays and
birthdays together on odd weekends, and Brianna fell more in love
with the family she had come to appreciate as her own. Sometimes
it hurt so much to be with them, but Brianna treasured the time she
was able to spend with them.

And so life went on.

Brianna finished law school at the top of her class, and was
immediately snapped up by the most prestigious firm in the city.
She spent inordinate amounts of time making a name for herself, and
soon she was as respected and feared outside of the courtroom as
much as she was in it.

When the District Attorney approached her to join his office,
she chuckled wryly. "Are you sure you want to work with someone
from the dark side?"

He laughed, appreciating her cutting sense of humor in a way
that many didn't understand. "Ms Walker, if I could lure you from
the dark side, I wouldn't be facing you across the aisle in the
courtroom. What better incentive could I possibly need?"

"And what's in it for me? I am exceptionally good at what I do
and I am paid very lucratively for it. Why would I want to give it
all up to become a public servant?"

"Because beneath that cutthroat demeanor beats the heart of a
poet. I read the play you produced in college," he continued in
answer to her startled look. "It was exceptional." He cleared his
throat. "You have an eighty-six percent win ratio in court;
ninety-seven if you include the deals made outside it. With those
stats, you could have my job in a few years if you really wanted
it. And you could use it as a stepping stone to other, bigger
things - judge, state representative, even Congress."

The mention of Washington made her eye twitch slightly and the
man watching her didn't miss her reaction. But he hadn't gotten to
his position by being stupid - he knew when to push and when to
back off. "Think about it, Ms Walker. You could do great
things."

Brianna didn't take his offer immediately. She had no desire to
do more than be the best lawyer she could; she certainly had no
desire to end up in Washington - not with all the effort she'd put
into staying out of Charisma Tagherty's life.

Still, the District Attorney was persistent and eventually
Brianna gave in, becoming a rising star in his office before being
appointed by him as his successor. That was when she started to
really come into her own.

Meanwhile, Charisma had done her internship in Washington,
making a number of contacts and impressing the hell out of those
she came in contact with. It didn't take long for the party to
take notice of her and soon they were grooming her for a position
in Congress.

Charisma missed Brianna's presence in her life, but she had
reconciled herself to the fact that for whatever reason, Brianna
had said goodbye forever when she'd walked out of her life at the
end of their trip. She'd decided to wait for Brianna to contact
her again, not delving too deeply into the reason she was willing
to let Brianna go so easily.

She wanted to ask her mother about Brianna - sure in the depths
of her being that Okasa would never allow Brianna to simply leave
the family, no matter what excuse she used. But Charisma had no
desire to have her mother question the reasons behind her
estrangement from Brianna - not sure she had answers to share and
unwilling to look deep enough to find anything that might satisfy
Okasa.

So Charisma went along - making time for her family on holidays
and birthdays, but otherwise keeping to Washington until it came
time for her to start stumping for a seat in the House of
Representatives. Then she schmoozed her way across the state,
collecting votes and support as she went, and when all was said and
done, the Honorable Charisma Tagherty was a junior congresswoman in
the House of Representatives.

"So how do you like being a hotshot Congressional
Representative, sis? Everything you thought it'd be?"

"Eh," pinching the bridge of her nose. "It's not the
Presidency, but it's a start."

Her brothers laughed. "Figures you'd want to start at the top.
Does it at least keep you busy?"

"Yes, Hunter. That would be why we have to schedule time
together," Charisma replied dryly. The brothers exchanged glances,
knowing that wasn't the only reason they had to schedule time with
Charisma. They each wanted so badly to say something…
anything… to Charisma about Brianna. But Okasa had given
them strict orders not to, and none of them were stupid enough to
go against Mama.

Time passed and Charisma's responsibilities in Congress took
more and more of her time. When it came time for re-election after
her third term, Charisma surprised everyone including her family,
by declaring her intention to run for the Senate instead. And she
won by a landslide.

That was when her life started to change.

************

I'm going to show you something - something I think you need to
see instead of me just filling in the blanks to bring you up to
speed. If we had the time, I'd prefer to show you everything -
from both Charisma's and Brianna's lives from the moment they
separated at the airport up to this point. But we don't - I'm on a
schedule and I can't make that kind of investment just to satisfy
your curiosity for detail.

However, I do need to show you the next bit of excerpts to get
you to the same page I'm on. And I need you to understand the
importance of what I've told you so far.

When Charisma first arrived in Washington, she was young and
single and for the most part, idealistic. Of course that last bit
didn't last very long - it couldn't if she wanted to become a real
player on the political stage. But she had a good mentor…
someone who taught her the ins and outs of life in the political
arena that is the Nation's capital. So by the time she became a
representative, Charisma Tagherty was quite a force to be reckoned
with.

Charisma was smart and she had learned from the best. She kept
her nose clean and made a name for herself - sponsoring bills and
making impassioned speeches that attracted voters and congressmen
alike to her fold.

And all was well for a time, because you just can't argue with
success.

As the end of her first tenure as a senator approached, however,
people started to talk. You see, Charisma Tagherty was a wildly
successful woman that employed only women. Not that this fact in
and of itself was a matter for gossip and speculation. As Charisma
herself was so fond of pointing out, there was absolutely no reason
she shouldn't give other competent, successful women the chance to
earn equal pay and establish a reputation for excellence. Because
let's face it - when someone of Charisma Tagherty's caliber
recommended your work, others tended to sit up and take notice.

No… where the difficulty arose was that Charisma Tagherty
was not only a wildly successful woman, but she was a wildly
successful *single* woman. A single woman who seemed to have
little or no time to dedicate to finding the right man and settling
down as her peers had already done.

Oh, don't get me wrong - she dated, if you could call it that.
Hooked up with influential men by well-meaning friends and
occasionally escorted to events by a friend of one or another of
her brothers or by her brothers themselves. Unfortunately, except
where her brothers and their friends were concerned, most of the
men she was introduced to either simply wanted to bed her or
desired her to be a wife and mother first and foremost. The
friends knew better - they had been warned ahead of time and knew
the score.

And although Charisma's biological clock had started ticking
rather loudly as she approached her fortieth birthday, none of the
men she dated were willing to accept a second or third place role
in her life. As far as she was concerned, none of them were worth
giving up her career for.

So the rumors started flying - about her frigidness; her
unwillingness to settle; her demand for perfection and her concern
for image. Then of course were the rumors about her girls - the
women she employed for everything from household chores and
landscaping to her personal assistant and office workers.

It infuriated her - she had worked so hard to maintain a
sterling reputation in both her private and personal lives and
suddenly she was under attack for not adhering to someone else's
goals for her life. Finally, she had enough and took off one
weekend to talk to her father.

************

"Well, well," Patrick drawled out his brogue, pulling a smile
from Charisma's face. "What brings Senator Tagherty to my humble
abode?" he asked with a twinkle in his eye - a twinkle that
diminished when he noted the sadness lurking in her blue eyes.
"What's wrong, Princess?"

She followed him into his study, but where he took a seat in
front of the fireplace, Charisma continued walking until she was
looking down into the darkened fireplace.

"I think it is time for me to find a husband," she stated
bluntly. "There are things being said that could destroy my
career."

"Are they true?" watching her head jerk up. He saw her eyes
shutter and he wondered at the secrets she was keeping from herself
before they pinned him in place.

"Well, since you haven't shared with me what any of these rumors
are, how am I supposed to know, baby girl? Obviously they are
bothering you or you wouldn't be here making pronouncements about
needing to get married right this instant."

She slumped just slightly and Patrick patted the seat beside
him. "C'mon and tell your old man what's going on, Charisma. I
can't help you until I know."

So Charisma told him - of her non-existent dating life; of the
strong women she surrounded herself with; of the stories and rumors
that were going around because she did not fit the congressional
definition of family values. When she was done she blew out a
frustrated breath and looked at Patrick desperately.

"So what do I do?"

Patrick chewed his lip carefully, knowing any advice he gave
could turn the tide in a number of directions.

"The real question is - what do you want to do? Are you ready
to commit to someone and settle down for the rest of your life? Do
you want a husband and family?"

"I'd like a baby," she answered without hesitation. "I always
saw a child in my future and if I wait much later…."

"Lots of women your age and even older are giving birth now,
Charisma. There shouldn't be any urgency influencing your decision
on that account. However, you do need a husband first. Despite
what your constituents do or do not do as far as matrimony and
wedlock is concerned, they expect you to be a moral example. And
frankly, your mother would kill you if you didn't marry before you
had a child."

Charisma laughed, knowing Patrick spoke the truth.

"So the question remains - what do you want to do?"

Charisma sighed then gazed at Patrick unflinching. "I need to
find a husband - someone who will like me for who I am and not for
who they want me to be for them. Someone who will be willing to
take a backseat to my career."

"And love?"

"Not a real priority at the moment, Daddy, though I would like
to like them too. Maybe someone who can make me laugh."

Patrick bit his lip. This was shaping up to be a disaster.

************

It wasn't really a disaster. Kent Rockwell met all of
Charisma's qualifications and then some. He was handsome,
well-mannered, wealthy enough to dabble in the theatre without
having to dedicate himself to it to earn a living and good enough
to do the occasional gig that interested him. He made her laugh
and he understood from the outset that he would never be as
important in her life as her career was and he was content with
that. He liked her - found her fascinating... knowledgeable about
a great many things and passionate about the things she cared
about.

They discussed it quite calmly and decided that it would be in
their mutual best interests to wed. She would give him a wife his
mother would accept and appreciate and he in turn would not only
quell the rumors surrounding her, but also add stability to her
life and reputation.

So it was agreed upon, and Charisma brought Kent home to meet
the family.

And oh… wasn't that an interesting day in the life of the
Tagherty family.

Chapter VIII

Charisma had gotten in touch with her parents to let them know
she was bringing someone home with her and was more than a little
surprised when not only were her brothers and their families not
present, but her folks had not gone to any trouble to have anything
prepared. A frown crossed Charisma's face when Okasa opened the
door and sedately welcomed them into her home.

"Mama, where's the family?" Charisma asked as she embraced her
mother briefly before pulling back to look Okasa in the eye. "I've
brought someone I wanted everyone to meet," motioning to the man
who stood discretely behind her.

"Your father is in the den," Okasa said with a wave of her hand
in that general direction. "I thought…." trailing off
without finishing her sentence. "It doesn't matter," she continued
without blinking at the man who was waiting for acknowledgment.
She graciously extended her hand to him, inviting him into her
home. He shook it gently and accepted her invitation, following
her inside and waiting for Charisma to introduce him.

"Mama, I'd like you to meet Kent Rockwell… my
fiancé."

Okasa smiled at the handsome man, though it never quite reached
her eyes. "How do you do, Mr. Rockwell? This is an unexpected
surprise."

"Well then, Kent… please come in," leading them both
towards the den where Patrick was currently ensconced. "I'm Okasa
and Charisma's father is Patrick, though the girls all call us Papa
Paddy and Mama O if you think you'd be comfortable with that.
Patrick?" calling out as they reached the door. She opened it
without waiting for his response and ushered the two younger people
inside in front of her.

Patrick looked up from his desk, then bade someone goodbye
before hanging up the phone. He rose to greet them, taking
Charisma in his arms and rocking her for a long moment before
releasing her and looking her over with a jaundiced eye. With a
faint nod, he turned his attention to the man who had accompanied
her.

Kent stepped forward on his own this time, extending a hand and
waiting for Patrick to take his measure. "My name is Kent
Rockwell, sir."

Surprise flashed through Patrick's eyes, though it was gone so
quickly Charisma wondered if she had imagined it. Without
hesitating, he accepted Kent's hand, shaking it firmly and smiling
slightly at the firm strength he found there.

"Can I offer you as drink, son?" giving Okasa the slightest nod.
She took Charisma's elbow to lead her from the room. Charisma
didn't refuse but arched an eyebrow in question.

"We'll just go get some dinner started," Okasa stated as she
eased them from the room. Charisma followed without comment,
smiling as they walked the familiar hallways to the large
kitchen… until one particular picture caught her peripheral
vision. She quickly turned away from the photograph and hurriedly
crossed the threshold of the kitchen behind Okasa, running from the
memories it and the crystal frame that surrounded it brought back.
Okasa cocked her head and glanced at her briefly before opening the
refrigerator door.

"Everything all right, baby girl?"

"Hmm? Oh… yes - fine, Mama."

"You sure? You came in here like the hounds of hell were on
your heels and there's a frown putting deep creases in your
forehead. Shouldn't you be happy?"

"I *am* happy, Mama. But where is everyone?"

"I don't know, Charisma. Did you let them know they needed to
be here?"

"No. I figured when I told you I was bringing someone home, you
would have let them know. I just assumed you understood what that
meant. I expected some excitement… something. I mean, here
I am after thirty-seven years finally bringing someone home to meet
the folks."

Okasa shook her head and proceeded to get out her largest stew
pot even as she directed Charisma to begin cutting up vegetables.
Charisma didn't even hesitate; here in this house, she was Okasa's
daughter… not a United States Senator. There was no way she
was going to let her mother down by not helping prepare the meal
they would soon share.

"You've brought people home before, baby girl."

"Not like this… and not in a very long time," her voice
dropping to a whisper at the last.

Okasa bit her lip to keep the questions she wanted to ask about
Brianna from escaping - as Brianna had been the last person
Charisma had brought home for the family to meet. Instead she
cleared her throat and asked about Kent with all the enthusiasm she
could muster. "So… tell me about your young man. Where did
you meet? What does he do? How long have you known him?"

Charisma smiled, though her eyes didn't twinkle. Okasa wondered
what on earth Charisma had gotten herself into. "Mama, only you
would refer to a grown man like Kent as young. We were introduced
several months ago by a mutual friend at a party in Washington.
Kent is from a wealthy family, so he doesn't have a singular
interest. He does some acting, some investing, some
traveling…."

Charisma sighed when Okasa's eyes narrowed. She'd known that
tidbit wasn't going to go over well. Her parents firmly believed
in a strong work ethic and Kent's genteel manner would not make up
for the fact that he was essentially a playboy. Still she forged
ahead. "We like a lot of the same things… we have a lot in
common. He's bright, funny… he makes me laugh. I like
him."

"You like him," Okasa repeated flatly. "You're engaged to marry
this man, ready to commit your life to him and bring him into the
family, and all you can say is you like him?"

"You don't think it's important to like the per… man
you're going to marry?"

Okasa took Charisma into her arms and met her eyes squarely.
"Charisma, of course I do," not commenting on Charisma's slip of
the tongue. She was a grown woman after all - capable of making
and living with her mistakes. "If your Daddy and I hadn't liked
each other tremendously, the love we've shared for the last
forty-something years wouldn't have been enough to carry us through
any number of tough situations we lived through."

Okasa sighed and looked away for a long moment before bringing
her eyes back to meet Charisma's. "But baby girl, simply liking
someone isn't necessarily a good foundation for creating a life
together."

"The love will come, Mama."

"And if it doesn't? Will it be enough, Charisma?"

"It will have to be, Mama. At least he's a good man who comes
from a good family. He'll be a good partner… a good
father."

Okasa held Charisma's gaze for a long moment before finally
nodding her agreement. "All right, baby girl. I just hope you
know what you're doing." Then she turned back to her preparations.
Charisma sighed and shook her head. It could have gone a lot
better… and a lot worse.

************

"So, Kent…" Patrick said, motioning the younger man to a
seat in front of the fireplace before moving from behind his desk
and over towards the bar. "What's your pleasure?"

"Whatever you're having is fine, sir. Personally, I like a good
Scotch."

"Glenlivet?"

"That would be great, sir… thank you."

Patrick poured three fingers' worth into a glass and passed it
to Kent. Then he poured something else for himself and took the
seat opposite. He smiled. "I prefer an Irish Whiskey myself." He
tilted his glass in Kent's direction.

Kent nodded his head and raised his glass. "To new
beginnings."

Each man took a swallow of his chosen alcohol, taking one
another's measure. Then Patrick cleared his throat. "Tell me
about yourself, Kent. You'll forgive an old man his bluntness, but
this is the first we've heard about you. It'd be nice to know a
little bit about you before you marry my only daughter."

Kent smiled easily. "Yes sir. I guess it must have been
something of a shock."

"My boy, you're a master of understatement. So…?"

Kent chuckled and launched into his personal history, telling
Patrick about his family and his childhood. He told anecdotes that
made Patrick chuckle with the telling and went on about his
interests. From there he told Patrick how he and Charisma had met,
what they had in common and how they had come to be engaged.

"So she proposed to you, hmm?"

"Not exactly… well, she suggested it first, and we talked
and decided it was a good idea. I'll admit it was something of a
surprise when she brought it up. I mean… I always thought we
were a good match, and my mother loves her. But I didn't realize
she was ready to settle down - I know how important Charisma's
career is to her - it comes first. Otherwise, I'd have already
asked her."

Patrick nodded, hearing what was said as well as what wasn't.
But unlike Okasa with Charisma, he didn't really know the man
currently sitting in front of him and he had no way of knowing just
how honest with Kent Charisma had actually been. So he tried a
little more subtle approach.

"So you're happy together?"

"Yes, sir. And we have so much in common; we like many of the
same things. Charisma and I have fun together and we enjoy each
other's company. We're friends first."

Patrick smiled. "That sounds very much like Okasa and me. We
were friends who liked each other long before we ever fell in love
with one another. It's made our lives together and our marriage a
much smoother journey."

"To smoother journeys," Kent said, raising his glass again.

"And a long life together," Patrick agreed.

************

After a short and pointed argument that Okasa won due to Kent's
agreement and capitulation - Mama, I'm thirty-seven years old and
we're engaged for God's sakes! That is not the point,
Charisma… this is still my house, and in my house only
married couples share a room and a bed. You knew that. It was
that way with your brothers and I'm not changing it for you despite
your age and position. Honey, it's all right. It won't hurt us to
respect the rules your mother set up. We'll probably do the same
thing to our kids one day - everyone was finally settled into bed
for the night.

"Well," Patrick drawled, looking over his glasses at Okasa as
she climbed under the cover and picked up her book. "That was
interesting."

"Which part?" Okasa asked drolly. "The part where Charisma
sprang a fiancé on us? The one where I realized this is a
disaster in the making? Or the part where Kent agreed with me to
keep the peace in the house even though Charisma will be in a snit
about it for days where he is concerned?"

Patrick's eyebrows rose into his hairline. "Well when you put
it that way… maybe we should start at the beginning. We
obviously had some serious differences in our day. I think we need
to compare notes."

"Where would you like to start? Surely you weren't aware she
was bringing a fiancé home??"

"No… not at all. I thought… I mean I was hoping
when she said she was bringing someone home…." Patrick
trailed off, knowing Okasa knew where he was headed with his train
of thought.

"So was I, Paddy. I really expected Brianna…." Okasa
cleared her throat and spoke quietly. "So you got to talk to him
alone. What do you think of Kent Rockwell?"

"I think Charisma chose him for several reasons - he's nice
looking, has a good family background, apparently is well off
enough not to have to do anything seriously and he obviously cares
for her." Patrick hesitated, then continued. "Charisma suggested
marriage to him… not the other way around. She even had the
ring."

Okasa's head whipped around so fast Patrick heard the bones in
her neck pop. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me, old woman. Charisma did the proposing and
purchased the ring she wanted him to give her."

Okasa shook her head. "What is that girl thinking?"

"She's a grown woman, love."

"Then she needs to act like it!" Okasa blew out a frustrated
breath trying to bring her emotions under control. "Honestly,
Paddy… this is one screwed up pickle of a mess. Charisma
admitted to me that she doesn't love him," she said in a near
whisper, not wanting this conversation to carry.

"She said that?"

Okasa nodded. "She likes him - thinks he will make a good
husband and father. But love doesn't fit into the equation - not
right now at least. She hopes it will eventually, but it doesn't
seem to be a priority for her." She bit her lip in thought.
"Obviously, Charisma had her mind set to get married and Kent
Rockwell fit the criteria she was looking for in an acceptable
husband."

"I wouldn't be surprised. I knew she was looking. I didn't
know she was so determined."

"What do you mean - you knew she was looking?" Okasa turned to
face him again and crossed her arms over her chest. "*How* did you
know she was looking??"

"She told me. When she came to see me several months ago - I
told you about her visit remember… you were working that day
- she informed me that it was time for her to find a husband.
Apparently there were some folks in Washington - hell, maybe they
were here, I dunno - that were making noise about the fact that she
was still unmarried and pretty much without prospects."

Okasa frowned. "She may be unmarried, but she's never been
without prospects, Patrick Tagherty."

"I am well aware of that, me love. I am simply telling you of
the rumors that were flying around. They disturbed Charisma enough
she decided to do something about them. She decided to find a
husband."

"Of all the…" Okasa broke off before she could launch into
a tirade. "So what do we do now?"

Patrick pulled his glasses off and set them aside before sliding
down and reaching for the light. Okasa followed his example and
they faced one another in the nearly dark room. He sighed and she
waited, then he took her hand in his and sighed again.

"We do what we've always done, Okasa. We watch and pray."

"I was afraid you were gonna say that."

************

The following day, Okasa called the boys and their families to
come over and meet the newest member of the clan. And while they
were welcoming and cordial enough so that Kent felt comfortable,
Charisma recognized their distance and coolness. So when the girls
pulled Kent into the kitchen to grill him about the details of
their romance they knew Charisma wouldn't share with them, Charisma
took the boys to task.

"What the hell is wrong with you three?" They stared at her
unflinching, though none of them spoke up to answer her question.
She gazed into the crackling fireplace to regain her composure
before meeting each of their eyes squarely. "I know you don't like
Kent - what I don't understand is why. You don't even know him.
Don't you think you should give him a chance first?"

The boys exchanged glances before Hunter, as the eldest, stepped
up to speak for all of them. "We have nothing against Kent, Chari.
He seems like a pretty decent guy and he seems to be gone on
you."

"So what's your issue then? Why are you treating him like he
has the plague?" Silence. Charisma felt the anger blossom in her
chest and she looked at them with hard eyes. "Why?? I deserve an
answer."

The boys exchanged long looks this time, reminding Charisma of
their growing up years when they were trying to keep things from
her. Before she could call them on it, Hunter spoke again.
"Because anyone with half an eye can see you don't feel the same."
He paused then plowed forward, hoping his mother would forgive him
for his next words. "Because he isn't Brianna!"

Charisma sucked in air like she'd been sucker-punched, then
straightened and turned and left the room without another word to
any of them. They stayed behind for another minute, waiting for
Okasa to show up to ream them for bringing up Brianna's name in
front of Charisma, but as the minutes passed, they realized she
wasn't going to. Did she not know? Or did it not matter now that
Charisma was engaged to marry Kent?

The three left the study and returned to the family room where
everyone else was gathered. The visiting continued as though the
incident in the study had never happened - Charisma was well-versed
in the art of politics and knew how to put on a game face for the
world. Not that it fooled her brothers, but it was enough to get
through the visit and convince the family that despite whatever
doubts and misgivings they felt about the situation, Charisma was
not unhappy about her decision to wed. Even the boys could see
that.

So the nuptials came and went. It was a small, intimate affair
- only family and the very closest of friends were invited. And
not long after she and Kent were settled into married life,
Charisma announced she was expecting.

************

Despite all the misgivings, that was actually a happy occasion
in the Tagherty household. Okasa and Patrick had been waiting a
long time to welcome a grandchild from Charisma and the boys and
their wives were equally excited. And that excitement went a long
way towards healing the anger Charisma felt towards her brothers
for their attitude towards Kent… especially since she knew
their reaction was honest. She really couldn't stay mad when they
were only looking out for her, no matter how misguided their
concern.

Adam was born on summer solstice - the longest day of the year.
Charisma swore he brought sunshine into her life. And if
everything wasn't perfect, Adam made her remember the good things
in her life. And so life went, bringing us to the present point in
time.

Chapter IX

Let me catch you up a little more, because there are a few
things you need to understand before we pick up our story in the
present day.

Their marriage, while it made Kent's mother ecstatic, quickly
became a thing of convenience for both of them, though to anyone
looking from the outside they are happy enough. Like many of their
peers, they have separate careers and in some ways, separate lives,
but on the occasions they are together, they present a united,
happy front.

Now, don't misunderstand me, Kent does love Charisma in his own
way, but it soon became apparent to him that she does not return
his affection to the same degree. She does care for him, but she
sees him as a friend and a father to her son - not a husband or a
lover. And it isn't something he knows how to overcome.

While sex is not non-existent between them, it is performed more
as a duty than a pleasure. Once Charisma became pregnant, there
was even less of an obligation between them. And when Adam was
born, the expectation between them slipped even farther.

Charisma spends her time between Washington and her home state;
Kent divides his time between being a house-husband and father in
Washington and an actor working in Manhattan. Once or twice,
Charisma has made an effort to support her husband's career by
attending a production but by and large, he leads his life and she
leads hers.

As for Adam - he stays with Charisma. Kent takes care of him
when he is in Washington, but when he leaves to go work in
Manhattan, Adam is strictly Charisma's son.

That brings us back to the present. Hopefully from here on out,
you can see things in real time. Now, I don't know how things will
go precisely, but one of the cool things about being a guardian
angel means I can see the possibilities. So hold onto your horses
- this promises to be a bumpy ride.

************

Esmeralda quietly cleaned the office, conscious of the two
individuals resting on the couch just a few feet away. When she
was finished, Esmeralda crossed back over to the couch and gently
touched Charisma's shoulder, watching the blue eyes open alertly
and gaze at her in confusion for a brief moment before
clearing.

"Es?" Charisma whispered, one hand cupping her son's back while
the other pushed the hair from her eyes. "What time is it?"

"Late," Esmeralda returned. "I was just getting ready to
leave."

Charisma reached out a hand and Esmeralda took the hint, helping
Charisma to sit up without losing the hold she had on her sleeping
son. Then she pushed her hair back from her face, frowning as she
tried to find a semblance of coherent wakefulness. Without seeming
to impose, Esmeralda scooped Adam from Charisma's arms, giving her
the opportunity to stand and gather her things together.

Charisma watched them for a long moment, smiling at the precious
picture they made. Adam had always been shy around strangers -
very particular about whom he let in his personal space even as a
baby. And yet, seemingly without effort, Esmeralda had charmed
Adam so quickly, he was actually squealing in laughter. Charisma
smiled sympathetically.

"You must have some sort of magic," Charisma commented softly as
she crossed the room to collect her purse and jacket as well as
Adam's things. "He's never warmed up to anyone so quickly. It
took three days before Kent could hold him without Adam screaming
bloody murder, and he's Adam's father." Charisma chuckled. "We
figured out it was the scent of greasepaint and the theatre that
seemed to bother him. Once Kent came home and immediately took a
shower before coming near him, Adam stopped wailing like a
banshee." She brushed her hair back again and smiled at the joyful
expression on Esmeralda's face.

"Children and babies love me," Es confided, cooing at Adam while
gently rocking him back to sleep. Charisma watched amazed as her
son's eyes closed again.

"Obviously," she agreed. "I think you're in the wrong line of
work." A beat. "Do you and Saphira have children?"

Esmeralda shook her head. "No," she said sadly. "Neither of us
is able to have children and because of who and what we are to one
another, we can't adopt. But there's a reason for everything,
Charisma. I think I'm right where I need to be."

Charisma gazed speculatively at her for a long moment. "Maybe
you are," she muttered mostly to herself, though Esmeralda clearly
understood her. She picked up the receiver and called for her car.
"Can I offer you a lift… home?"

Esmeralda smiled and shook her head, easily transferring the
toddler in her arms back into his mother's embrace. Then she moved
to collect her cart. "As nice as that sounds, I still need to put
away my things and I don't want to hold you up. You need to get
your little guy to bed… and it wouldn't hurt you to get a
little rest as well," she scolded, opening the door and motioning
for Charisma to go in front of her. "Besides," Esmeralda added as
she pushed her cleaning cart through the door and turned to lock it
behind her, "I'm not going home."

Charisma smiled. "Late night date with your lady, then?"

Es smiled bashfully. "Something like that. Her shift at the
diner will be over by the time I get there and we'll go home
together."

"I can still drop you…." Charisma started, but stopped
when the blonde head shook negatively.

"Not that I don't appreciate it, Charisma, because I do…
more than I can make you understand. And I promise you'll get to
meet her soon. You let me know when's good for you and we'll make
it happen. But trust me when I tell you it's better for you not to
do this for me right now."

Charisma's face hardened. "Oh… I see. You want to be
some sort of reverse snob," she said, but Esmeralda cut her off
before she could continue.

"Don't, Charisma - you know better," Es replied fiercely. "But
can you really afford to be seen in a government vehicle riding
around at this time of night with an out lesbian who happens to be
part of the janitorial staff in your Senate building? Regardless
of the fact that you'd be taking me to meet my mate, I don't think
your constituents would take too kindly to it despite the fact that
there really is nothing more untoward about it than you offering
someone less fortunate a bit of consideration. You've worked too
long and too hard to establish the reputation you have to throw it
away on an unnecessary kindness."

"I'm sorry, Es - you're right. I don't know why I'm so raw
today. But you shouldn't be catching the brunt of my pissiness."
She paused. "Is there such a thing… as unnecessary kindness,
I mean?"

"In this case, yes." Esmeralda unlocked the janitorial closet
and pushed her cart in, taking care to restock just as she did
every night even though she was still very aware of Charisma's
presence. "It's been a long day for you and Adam - you should
focus on getting the two of you home and settled. I'll be all
right, Charisma - I promise. I do this every night. In fact," she
added as she exited the closet and locked it behind her, "it would
probably freak Saphira out if your car pulled up in front of the
diner at this time of night with no warning. She'd think something
bad had happened to me."

Charisma nodded - she hadn't thought of it like that before and
she knew without asking that neither of them had cell phones. "But
you promise I'll get to meet her soon? And that you'll be okay
walking there by yourself? I know I sound paranoid - I guess I
never really considered…."

"I promise, Charisma. You get me a date and time that will work
for you and we'll arrange something. And I'll be fine - I've got a
guardian angel watching over me," rubbing the tiny pin attached to
her blouse

"I wish I had one of those," Charisma mumbled.

"I'm sure you do, Senator," motioning the other woman ahead of
her as they approached the garage. Esmeralda held the door for
Charisma to slip through with Adam, then followed behind her. "But
here," removing the pin and carefully sticking it on Charisma's
jacket. "Now you have a visible reminder."

Esmeralda smiled and Charisma was overwhelmed by the sheer
radiance of it. "No, Charisma. It is merely a reminder. My
guardian angel is a little more ethereal than the pin and she
sticks pretty close."

"She, huh?"

"In most cases, yes. I think the male angels are busy posturing
and talking politics and completely missing the big picture around
them… no offense."

Charisma couldn't stop the laughter that welled up at the
assessment and she slid into her vehicle still chuckling. Es held
the door until Charisma got Adam settled in his car seat and turned
back to look at her.

"Thank you, Es - for being such a good friend. Most would have
taken my bitchiness personally. Be safe tonight, all right?"

Es nodded. "See you tomorrow night, Senator Tagherty."

Charisma rolled her eyes and shook her head with a smile before
sitting back and letting Esmeralda shut the door firmly behind her.
Es patted the roof and the driver pulled off. She stood and
watched the car out of sight, nodding in approval when Amber took
up the job of looking out for them. Then she turned and headed out
of the garage, anxious to meet Saphira at the diner.

************

Sorry… cutting in again very briefly to explain something.
What I said was true - most guardian angels don't do the
protection gig. There aren't enough of us to do that for every
single person on the planet twenty-four/seven/three-sixty-five.
But when a complete fubar like this one is thrown at the clean-up
detail, we have a little more leeway and can call upon whatever
resources we need to get things straightened out. We try not to
overextend everyone else's departments or leave any one section
short-handed for an extended period of time, but we do take what we
need to resolve the situation we've been handed with all
expediency.

To that end, I have enlisted several friends and cohorts to help
me fix this mess. Saphira is truly my mate, though she is not a
guardian angel of any kind. And I hope I do not need to call upon
her true skills beyond supporting me before this is all over.
Amber is my best friend other than Saphira - she's a guide
guardian… the kind Rafe was before he created this debacle.
I'm convinced if Charisma had been her charge, we wouldn't be
cleaning up crap now. Hence my snarky comment to Charisma about
male angels. Honestly, there are some things most of them just
shouldn't try to handle - they don't do as well as their female
counterparts.

There are a few other guardians I have on stand-by for if and
when they are needed. But at the moment, Amber, Saphira and I and
the rest have things well in hand and under control.

************

Esmeralda made her way from the metro station towards the diner,
a smile on her face as she approached. It had been a long and
interesting day and she was anxious to share her experiences with
Saphira. Besides, things should be happening on the flip side of
things soon, and Es was anxious to hear how things were
progressing. And it didn't hurt that Matilda made the most awesome
apple pie and always saved a piece for them to share before they
headed home.

She was smiling as she opened the door and it grew to a genuine
grin when Saphira's eyes met hers. "Hey, beautiful," Saphira
greeted as Esmeralda took a stool at the counter. "How was your
night?"

"Interesting. Yours?"

"Busy," placing a glass of milk in front of Esmeralda and
pulling the slice of pie from the case and slipping it into the
warming oven. "Not that you can tell at the moment," indicating
the fairly empty restaurant with a sigh. "Hey, Joe!" calling out
to the grill cook. He peeked through the window with a frown on
his face until he caught a glimpse of Esmeralda. Then he grinned
and came out of the kitchen for a hug. The embrace was brief and
Joe pulled back to peer at her.

"I'm all right, Joe," she started, then continued when she saw
him start to frown again, "but a burger would be nice, thanks."

"Good girl… maybe you can get this one to eat something
too," he added with a glower in Saphira's direction before
returning to he kitchen. Esmeralda turned to look at her mate.

"Joe giving you a hard time?" noting the weariness in Saphira's
eyes and body language. Saphira smiled at her.

"No more than usual - he's just concerned. Remember, as far as
he knows I lost my job taking care of you during your illness. And
I've been working doubles here to pay the bills."

"Well," Es agreed quietly. "That's mostly true. You did give
up your job, you did take care of me while I was sick and you have
been working doubles here. The rest…."

"The rest will work itself out in His time - I know. I
just… sometimes I don't know how you can do this all the
time, Es. I just want to get in there and fix things."

Esmeralda smiled. "I know you do, Phira. That's your calling,
and you're the best at what you do. But that's not what guardians
do. This requires a little more finesse and finagling than brute
strength and brilliance."

Saphira snorted. "Nice save, though we both know there is an
enormous amount of brilliance that goes into these rescue
missions," she said with a smirk, then rose from her stool. "Let
me lock the door," she said as the last customer left with a wave.
"Then we can eat in peace before we go home for some sleep."

She reached for the lock, turning it with a snick and grabbing
the blinds. Before she could snap them closed she heard a
desperate voice calling out, "Wait, please! Wait!"

Saphira's shoulders dropped, but she had long since learned not
to ignore a plea for help when one was heard. You never knew who
or what lay behind the call nor the difference you could make by
taking the time to listen. With a sigh, she unlocked the door and
motioned the woman forward and into the diner.

The woman crossed the threshold with a sigh of relief and a
sincere thank you as she glanced around. She was pulling two large
suitcases as well as a tote bag and looked completely lost and out
of place. Esmeralda recognized her immediately, but she waited for
the woman to speak.

"Thank you so much," she said to Saphira again, taking the stool
the woman offered her and accepting a menu. "I somehow missed my
driver at the airport and I'm pretty sure I got off the wrong Metro
stop as well."

"Is this your first visit to Washington?"

The woman blushed and nodded her head. "I've been all over this
country and all over the world, but I've never had the opportunity
to come here until now." Not the complete truth, but she had no
way of knowing they already knew that.

"So what brings you here - business or pleasure?" Esmeralda
asked, eyes widening when Joe plopped the biggest burger she'd seen
in a while in front of her. She turned her gaze to Saphira who
understood her unspoken request, pulling another plate from behind
the counter and proceeded to remove about half the food onto it.
Saphira cocked an eyebrow at the other woman who was staring at the
hamburger and fries like she hadn't eaten in days, then slid the
plate over to sit in front of her. The woman immediately began to
protest.

"Oh no… I can't take your food from you. Please."

Saphira just ignored her and poured up two more glasses of cold
milk then refilled Esmeralda's. Esmeralda put her hand on top of
the woman's and silenced her with it a look. "Please, don't insult
us by refusing the food. It's obvious you're very hungry aside
from being lost and alone. We can't afford to buy you a whole
meal, but we can share what we have."

The woman's mouth snapped shut on her argument and she bowed her
head in the face of such simple generosity. "Thank you," she
murmured.

"Besides," Es added with a smile, hoping to chase away the
woman's embarrassment. "Joe fixed enough to feed a family here and
it will just go to waste otherwise."

The woman took a satisfying bite of her burger and her face lit
up in a smile. "Oh, I don't think you have to worry about that.
Man, this is great!" seeing Joe pop up from the back with a smile
at her expression of pleasure. "I haven't had real food this good
in ages."

"Well then," Saphira said around her own bite. "I'm glad I held
the door open for you."

The woman moaned. "Me too. This place is going to be a
regular stop for me while I'm here."

"So are you here for business or pleasure?" Esmeralda asked
again.

"Business. I've just been appointed the junior Senator from my
state to replace Richard Whitman." Saphira and Esmeralda nodded.
Richard Whitman had been in the news for weeks due to a medical
condition that had slowly left him incapacitated and unable to
serve in the Senate any longer. Many had been waiting for the
governor of his state to name his replacement, but nothing had been
finalized in the press, though apparently the decision had already
been made.

"It was supposed to be announced last week, but…." She
shrugged. "The timing was never right - either the governor or I
always had some sort of scheduling conflict that kept getting in
the way of making an announcement together. I think now the
governor is planning to call a press conference here on the capital
steps tomorrow - make a big to do over the whole thing."

"And how do you feel about it?"

"The job or the press conference?" the woman asked with a
smile.

"Yes," Esmeralda said as she munched on a few fries.

"Well, it's not like it's my first press conference," she
confessed, wiping her mouth and taking a swallow of milk. "Man,
that's good stuff." She shook her head. "I learned a long time
ago that the press and paparazzi are a part of public life, like
them or not. As for the job…." She shrugged and looked t
her plate thoughtfully. "I'm not sure yet," she replied honestly.
"This isn't really something I set out to do in my life - politics
don't particularly interest me, but the governor felt I was the
best choice for the job. Fortunately, I only have to do it for two
years before the people can elect another candidate of their
choice."

"And if they decide that choice is you?"

"I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it." The woman
chewed and swallowed, wiping her hands on her napkin before
extending them. "By the way, my name is Brianna Walker."

Chapter X

"I'm Esmeralda and this is my partner Saphira and of course,
there's Joe back behind the grill. You'll have to come back to
meet Matilda, but for now allow us to welcome you to Washington,
D.C."

Brianna smiled. "Thanks - I'm really glad to be here. I never
expected to find such real people here." Saphira's eyebrows popped
into her hairline and Brianna chuckled even as she blushed
profusely at her forthrightness. "I'm sorry - that sounds pretty
pretentious, doesn't it? It's just… you've shown more
kindness to me, a complete stranger to you, than most people I
consider to be friends."

"It sounds like you need new friends," Saphira growled as she
swallowed the last bite of her food. Then she rose and went behind
the counter, retrieving the apple pie and setting it in front of
Esmeralda. With a thoughtful glance at Brianna, she withdrew a
chocolate cake from the display and cut off a large slice, setting
it in front of her. Green eyes widened comically before glancing
at Saphira.

"Oh, I couldn't," she started, then stopped when Saphira held up
her hand.

"I need to go clean up the last table before we can leave," she
said to Esmeralda. "Save a bite for me, will ya?"

Esmeralda smiled and offered her the first forkful and Saphira
didn't even hesitate. Brianna's eyes nearly popped from her head
and this time when blue and green eyes turned her way, they burned
more fiercely than anything she had ever seen before. The flames
were almost soul piercing and she swallowed hard.

"I'm sorry - I didn't mean to stare. It's just… I've
never seen anyone be so comfortable together in public."

"You mean a same-sex couple?" Esmeralda asked quietly. She
squeezed Saphira's hand lightly and with the smallest nod, Saphira
moved off to take care of her work. Esmeralda returned her
attention to Brianna and Brianna sighed with relief. The
fierceness of Esmeralda's gaze was no longer palpable and in fact
felt almost understanding. Brianna nodded.

"Exactly," she replied. "Most gay people of my acquaintance are
unable to live so openly. It would destroy them - their families,
their careers, their friendships…." Brianna trailed off and
Esmeralda waited patiently. Finally Brianna resumed speaking
though she tried to sound off-hand. "It's just nice to see for a
change."

"Because you can't?" Es asked without censure. Brianna smiled
sadly.

"I never…." She shook her head. "It doesn't matter," she
said as she rose from her stool. "I'm sorry - I really should get
going. Thank you for…." Brianna stopped when Esmeralda laid
a hand on her arm.

"Please don't go," Es pled softly. "I didn't mean to offend
you."

Brianna smiled again and covered Esmeralda's hand with her own.
"You didn't," Brianna assured her. "It's just not
something…."

"I understand," Esmeralda said and looking into her eyes,
Brianna was inclined to believe her. "You never have to, but if
you ever need to…."

Brianna smiled and motioned around them. "I won't, but I know
where to find you when I need the company of real people and good
food. Besides, I have to come back to meet Matilda, right?"

"Right."

"Well then, let us get you where you need to be," Saphira
insisted as she hung up her apron and grabbed her jacket from the
hook.

"I couldn't ask you to do that," Brianna said, even though a
sense of relief flowed through her at the offer.

"You're not asking," Esmeralda stated with a smile as she
accepted her jacket when Saphira wrapped it around her. "We're
offering. It's what real people do, Brianna."

Brianna smiled sadly and shook her head. "No, Esmeralda. It's
what good people do. Real people aren't necessarily good ones - I
know… I've seen plenty of real people in my lifetime and even
more pretenders. And let me assure you that you and Saphira and
Joe are the exception, not the rule."

Esmeralda smiled. "Then we're glad to be the exception,"
turning to wrap Saphira's scarf around her neck and tuck it into
her jacket. She stood still while Saphira returned the favor, then
together they turned back to Brianna.

"How long have you been together?" Brianna asked when she
realized she was staring.

"An eternity," Esmeralda replied without hesitation, and looking
at the two of them, Brianna was inclined to believe her.

"You're not joking are you?"

"Not at all. We've been together for as long as I can
remember."

Brianna couldn't stop the smile that crossed her face. "You
grew up together? That's so amazing."

Saphira wrapped an arm around Esmeralda and ushered them towards
the door. "You have no idea - she is an angel to have put up with
me for as long as she has." She grabbed one of Brianna's bags and
waited for Brianna and Esmeralda to do the same before turning
around to wave at Joe. "Night, Joe. See ya in the morning."

"Thank you, Joe. It was nice to meet you," Brianna added and
then exited the diner.

"Night, girls," he returned before coming around the counter to
lock up behind them.

************

Brianna stopped walking as soon as she exited the diner, waiting
for Saphira and Esmeralda to lead the way. Instead they turned to
her and waited. She looked at them curiously. "Um… which
way?"

Saphira smiled rakishly. "Depends - where do you wanna go?"

Brianna blushed and shook her head as she chuckled.
"Sorry… been a long day for me." She handed Saphira a card
with an address. "This is where I'm supposed to be."

Saphira held it up to the light, her eyebrows popping into her
hairline. "Well," she said after a moment's pause, allowing her
brows to return to their rightful place on her forehead. "You're
definitely lost. C'mon… we need to get you back to the
Metro. You're about three stops off the beaten path," leading the
way to the closest station.

They were silent as they swiped their cards and went through the
turnstiles, sighing in relief when the train pulled in almost
immediately. Saphira led the way and the others followed her,
happy to sit down for their brief time to Brianna's stop. When
they reached it, Saphira stood and led the way back outside,
immediately making a right and heading towards the secure apartment
building Brianna would be living in for the time being.

When they reached the outer door, Saphira and Esmeralda placed
Brianna's bags beside her and stepped away. Brianna looked her
question at them.

"We can't go inside," Esmeralda commented. "It's a secure
building and we haven't been cleared for admittance."

"You won't lose touch with me, will you? It's nice to know good
people for a change."

Esmeralda smiled and wrapped an arm around Brianna's shoulder.
"You know where to find us, Brianna Walker. And if you invite us
to visit and clear us to be here, we'll be here. Fair enough?"

"Fair enough," Brianna grinned. "And I'm going to hold you to
it."

"We hope you do," Saphira confirmed softly. "It's nice to have
met someone who… well, let's just say you've been a breath of
fresh air for us as well. Too many think it's their place to look
down and judge."

Brianna smiled sadly. "Despite my time in the prosecutor's
office - or maybe because of it, I've learned to try not to judge
people in my personal life. I would miss out on so many
experiences if I only accepted people who were just like me. And
honestly… wouldn't life be boring if we were all cut out of
the same exact cloth?"

"Maybe," Saphira answered slowly, "but there would probably be
less hatred and bigotry in the world if we were."

"Perhaps," Brianna conceded. "But for all its faults, I am
thankful for the mishmash of humanity that exists. It allows me to
meet people like you - people who bring something new and fresh
into my life that makes me a richer, better person for it." She
paused. "I think God sent you to me… just when I needed you
most."

Saphira and Esmeralda exchanged startled glances before looking
back at Brianna. Esmeralda took Brianna's hand in hers. "I think
God sent us to each other, Brianna. We're happy to have made a new
friend."

Brianna pulled Esmeralda into a brief hug and reached out a hand
to Saphira that she took without hesitation. "So am I," she said
with a hint of wonder in her voice. "I don't usually trust this
quickly, but my gut's telling me you two are the real deal. And my
gut rarely lies."

Esmeralda chuckled. "Go with the gut then - and come see us
when you get settled in."

Brianna nodded. "I will. It might take a little while - I have
a feeling this new job is going to take a bit of time to adjust to,
but don't lose faith. I'll be there as soon as I can."

"We'll keep the light on for you." Then Saphira took
Esmeralda's hand and pulled her from Brianna's embrace, wrapping a
possessive arm around her waist. They stood together watching as
Brianna gathered up her luggage and headed inside, nodding at the
doorman who suddenly appeared to help. He gave them a brief glance
before relieving Brianna of her bags and she turned to wave goodbye
once more as she disappeared.

The ride was silent; they had no need to fill it with
meaningless chatter and anything they needed to say would wait
until they were in the privacy of their home. Saphira unlocked the
door and motioned Esmeralda in ahead of her. Then she closed and
locked the door behind them and followed Es into their tiny
bedroom.

Both women slipped out of their shoes with a tired groan and it
was with a sense of relief that they showered briefly before
curling up into bed together. When they were tucked in and the
lights were turned off, Esmeralda spoke.

"Well," she said softly into Saphira's neck, "it's started."

"That it is," Saphira agreed, feeling completely out of her
depth. "The question is - what now?"

"As in what will happen now or what do we do now?"

"Either… both… I'm not sure. You know this isn't
generally my gig, sweetheart." She shook her head and felt
Esmeralda's smile against her skin at the action. "Honestly, I
don't know how you do this kind of work… how you've managed
to do this for so long without violence. Don't you just want to
shake some sense into them? Or I don't know - tie them up and make
them sit and talk til they work it all out on their own?"

Esmeralda chuckled and Saphira smiled even as she sighed in
relief. Things had been tough for them for a while - what with her
job issues and Esmeralda's sickness. It was a blessing to hear Es
laugh again, even if it was due to her complete frustration with
their current assignment. And truth be told, Saphira couldn't even
resent the assignment or their situation too much - not as long as
she and Esmeralda were still together.

Esmeralda blew out a warm breath against Saphira's chest and she
shivered in the wake of the goosebumps that followed. She felt Es
grin again and trace a path along her suddenly burning skin.

"Sometimes," she admitted, "it would be a lot simpler if we
could just bang a few heads together and be done with it. It would
also probably be a lot more satisfying. But unfortunately for us,
and luckily for most of our charges, it doesn't work that way. It
requires patience and subtlety and…."

"… and a lot of teeth grinding."

Es nodded. "Sometimes. But when it works - when we're able to
bring everything together and fix whatever it was that went so
wrong - Phira, there's nothing like it. It makes all the
frustration and head banging worth it."

Saphira chuckled soundlessly and shook her head again. "I'll
take your word for it, Es. I'd just as soon smack their heads
together and be done with it."

Esmeralda tilted her head back slightly and brought her hand up
to cup Saphira's face. "I know, love. It's in your nature. That
passion is just one reason I love you. But I do appreciate you
being here for this one. I have a feeling it's not going to be
easy."

Saphira snorted. "Like any of your assignments are," turning
her head and kissing Esmeralda's palm.

"True," sliding her hand into Saphira's dark hair and gently
massaging her scalp. "But I think one is going to be more
difficult than most. So many people involved and my two
protagonists…." She shook her head before tucking it beneath
Saphira's chin once more without missing a beat in her gentle
scratching.

"Stubborn?"

"Let's just say they remind me greatly of you."

"Hey!" Saphira protested, though she really didn't argue the
point. "It sounds like you've got your work cut out for you."

Esmeralda sighed. "We all do. I just want this to work out."
She paused. "Phira, they remind me so much of us… of what we
could easily have been if things had worked out differently. We
would have been miserable without each other, and for a while
there, it was a near thing."

"No matter what," Saphira's fierce possessiveness lighting a
fire along Esmeralda's nerve endings. "No matter what - we would
have been together, Es. Anything else was never, ever an option
and He knew that. They all did. I made that clear at the
outset."

Esmeralda shifted until she could look into Saphira's eyes that
glowed clearly in the otherwise thick darkness surrounding them.
"Did you really?"

"Absolutely. Short of you choosing not to stay with me, nothing
would have separated us."

Esmeralda snuggled closer into Saphira's body. "That
means… everything." Saphira brushed a kiss over the top of
her head and felt Es sigh against her.

"What?" she whispered into the blonde hair.

"I don't understand them, Phira. We came so close to losing
this; we'd have done anything… everything… to keep it.
You did - you stood up to Him and them for us. Why would they just
throw something like this away?? Why give it up without even
giving it a chance??"

"You can't miss what you've never had, sweetheart, and I don't
think either of them have had it… not really."

"I think Brianna is aware of it - that's why she left. She
loved Charisma enough to leave."

"But not enough to fight for her - I don't understand that."

"That's because you're a warrior by nature, my love."

"Well, I hope one of them figures out how to be a fighter sooner
than later. I don't think I'm cut out to live among humans for any
length of time… especially as a waitress. This has to be the
hardest work I've ever done - worse than fighting a legion of
demons locked in an eternal struggle."

Saphira growled. "That bad." Then she felt Esmeralda's hands
soothing her belly. "Although that's making it much better."

"You pleasure hound you."

"Like you didn't know that already," Saphira snorted, then
shifted on the bed until she was spooned around Esmeralda wrapping
her in a total embrace. "C'mon, sweetheart. Despite our heavenly
nature, we've still got to get some rest while we're on the earthly
plane. You especially - I don't want you getting sick again."

"Neither do I. Too much work still to do."

"Close your eyes," Saphira commanded then began humming a
lullaby. It was the last thing Esmeralda heard before she drifted
off to sleep.

Chapter XI

"It is with great pleasure that I am able to announce District
Attorney Brianna Walker as Senator Richard Whitman's replacement
here on the steps of our nation's Capitol Building," the Governor
droned on, pausing only for the smattering of polite applause.
Brianna was tempted to look at her watch, but her ingrained
training held as she turned her attention back to the Governor's
words, hoping she hadn't missed too much. "Senator Whitman has
served our state long and faithfully and it was with his input and
blessing that we chose Ms Walker to represent us for the remainder
of his term. It is our hope and firm belief that by taking this
reprieve Senator Whitman will be able to recover his health."

Another smattering of applause and the Governor smiled, knowing
it was time to wrap things up. "Ladies and gentlemen, Senator
Brianna Walker." Flashes snapped as Brianna accepted the
Governor's proffered hand, then she stepped behind the podium that
had been set up for the press announcement.

"Thank you, Governor," she accepted graciously. "I won't keep
you all out here in the freezing cold spotting platitudes and
rhetoric and party line. I know you'll be keeping an eye on me for
a little while at least. I'll let my actions speak louder than
words."

This garnered Brianna some real applause and some smiles before
she waved and stepped back from the platform as the flashes popped
off again. She was quickly escorted to a waiting car and the
Governor followed her and she directed the driver to take them to
the airport.

"Are you sure you can't stay, Michael? I understand the
President invited you to the luncheon today."

"If Jenny had come with me, I would have said yes, but she would
never forgive me for going without her. Surprisingly, the
President understood that and graciously offered to extend an
invitation to both of us another time."

"Probably why he and his wife still actually give the appearance
of happily married - he knows how to keep her happy."

Michael chuckled at her dry tone and as the car reached the drop
off area for private jets, he reached over and covered her hand.
"You'll have to let me know your thoughts after you sit down with
him. In the meantime, don't stress too much over this, Brianna.
You can do this job - it's why you were chosen. Just use the same
tenacity you were famous for in the courtroom. There won't be a
senator on the Hill that will be able to push you around."

He saw the shadow flash across her eyes, but it was gone before
he could question its validity.

"Tell Jenny I'm looking forward to the two of you visiting
together."

"Will do," Michael said as she opened the door. "Keep us in the
loop, and let us know if you…."

"I'll be fine, Michael. Go home to your wife."

He rolled his eyes, but slid out of the car, giving Brianna a
wave before closing it behind him. They watched him out of sight,
then Brianna told the driver to go on. They pulled back into
traffic and headed for the Senate. It was time to go to work.

************

"Well, that was interesting," Saphira said as she dressed for
the lunch shift at the diner. Esmeralda put the last of their
breakfast dishes away and dried her hands before turning to look at
Saphira.

"It was something, but I'm not sure exactly what it was supposed
to accomplish."

"It was an introduction. It was meant to get people's
attention. I'm pretty sure it did that. And I'm pretty sure
you'll probably get an earful about it sooner or later."

Es sighed. "I hope this doesn't backfire, Phira." Saphira
cocked her head. "This could push Charisma right over the
edge."

"No," Saphira stated fiercely. "Don't lose your faith now, Es.
She needs this push. You know and I know that everything has to
blow to hell and back between Brianna and Charisma before anything
real can happen for them here in this time and place. They are too
pigheaded stubborn to allow it to be easy. But we're gonna make
sure to give them that chance if we have to drag them to it kicking
and screaming."

Esmeralda chuckled, feeling better by the minute. "And once we
get them there?"

Saphira smiled smugly and briefly she allowed her true self to
flash across her person - spreading her wings to their fullest
extension and grasping the sword in both hands as the flame raced
from hilt to tip. She held the pose momentarily, then reverted to
her human form, waggling her eyebrows rakishly. "I don't think
keeping them there to work things out will be a real problem, Es.
If the wings don't stun them, the fiery sword will."

"Well it would certainly get their attention," Esmeralda
commented after clearing her throat delicately and wiping the smile
from her face. "But I'm not sure He would accept the results that
sort of <ahem> convincing."

Saphira smirked, though her shoulders fell and her eyes lost
their twinkle. "Probably not. He has a knack for taking the fun
out of things."

Esmeralda wrapped Saphira in her embrace, gratified beyond words
when Saphira returned it without hesitation. "You know it has to
be their choice, love. Putting the fear of Him into them like that
eliminates their free will - and that negates all of our efforts as
well."

Saphira sighed. "I know. Doesn't make the prospect any less
tempting." She pulled back just slightly, enough to duck her head
and capture Esmeralda's lips in a fervent kiss. "Try to get some
rest today," she chided as they separated. "The place couldn't get
any cleaner if He came in and did it Himself, and you still look
tired."

"I am a little, but so do you," Es confessed as she pushed dark
bangs out of Saphira's eyes. "You need a trim."

Saphira blew out a breath, fluffing her bangs up briefly and
drawing a smile from Esmeralda. "I know," she replied drolly, but
unable to keep herself from responding to the happiness in
Esmeralda's eyes. "You do what you need to do to make this work,
Es," returning to their original discussion. "I'll follow
you."

"Walk beside me, Phira. That's all I ask."

"Sounds like a plan, Es, but I've gotta go before I'm late."
She brushed their lips together once more. "I'll see you
tonight?"

"As soon as I can get there. I'll call if it looks like I'm
going to be late."

Saphira nodded and headed out the door. Esmeralda watched her
go, then lay down on the couch, hoping for a few minutes of rest
before she needed to get up to run a few errands before heading in
to work. She was therefore more than a little disconcerted to open
her eyes what felt like mere moments later to find a couple hours
had passed and someone was knocking on her door.

She blinked sleepily, trying to kick-start her brain, even as
she rose from the sofa and made her way towards the door. She
peeked through the hole and smiled, opening the door to let Amber
in. Amber cupped Esmeralda's face in her hands and let her golden
eyes roam over Es' features. Esmeralda captured Amber's hands in
hers and smiled.

"I'm all right, Amber. I just fell asleep."

"Best thing for you," she stated unequivocally. Esmeralda
rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the grin that crossed her
face.

"I know - you sound just like Saphira."

Now it was Amber's turn to roll her eyes and she did so with
gusto. "Imagine that," she said drolly. "You'd think we were
related or something."

"Or something for sure," Es chuckled. "How'd things go last
night?"

"About like you'd expect. Charisma went home and put Adam to
bed. Then she went into her study and stayed there for a long
time." Amber looked at Esmeralda's expectant face and she sighed.
"There was no way for me to see clearly without literally climbing
into her personal space - she was curled around them
protectively."

"But…?"

"But she got out an album of pictures. And from the frantic way
she searched for them and the possessive way she safeguarded them
even in the privacy of her own home, I'd say it was *the*
album… the pictures from her European trip with Brianna."

Esmeralda gnawed her lip thoughtfully as she considered Amber's
words. "Only those?" she finally asked.

Amber gave an exasperated sigh. "I don't know, Es. I really
couldn't see. But if I was to offer a guess, I would say yes -
only those. I will try to get a look tonight."

"And Kent?"

Amber shook her head. "He got in late, but he didn't disturb
her. He went straight to his room and settled in for the night.
Charisma didn't even give him a thought when she finally went
upstairs last night. She re-hid the album in her office then went
right to her room, but she didn't sleep - at least not for a long
time. It was almost dawn before I saw her eyes flutter closed.
And even then it wasn't particularly restful."

"So how did she take the announcement?"

"Do the words fire and ice mean anything to you?"

"Oh boy."

"Yeah… although I'll admit that my first thought was duck
and cover."

"Great. Well, I guess tonight should be interesting."

Amber chuckled. "You, my dear, are a master of
understatement."

Esmeralda glared at her compatriot briefly before she closed her
eyes and whispered a short prayer. "Well," she said when green
appeared again. "We knew it was coming. The sooner we get
started…."

"… the sooner we get this mess fixed. At least you know
she won't take it out on you."

"Yes she will, Amber. I will be the closest, safest target.
That's one reason I am where I am."

"What?? How do you figure?"

"C'mon, Amber… how many times have we been through this?
She can't have a public reaction of any kind - it would invite too
many questions from constituents and opponents alike. She would
never take it out on Adam, and Kent is immune because she needs to
cling to the facade of her marriage, especially now that Brianna
Walker has been forced into her life again, however benign their
interaction. She trusts me - it may take a little while, but
eventually she is going to need to vent, and I am the most logical
person for her to talk to. She knows I know how to keep her
secrets; I already have to some extent."

"Yeah… long night." Her shoulders slumped. "I don't
know, Es. It was disheartening… or maybe I'm just tired from
being up all night and half the day besides." She rotated her head
and shoulders in an attempt to relieve the stress she felt. "How
do humans put up with this?"

Esmeralda gave Amber a long look. "They don't know any other
way? At least you don't have to be corporeal for most of your work
in this case… although I know staying in an invisible
observation state for hours on end is draining." She motioned
towards Amber's teensy bedroom. "Go get some sleep. I've got a
few errands to run before I go to work. I'll leave you something
for supper."

Amber nodded before walking into her room and falling face first
into her bed. Es just smiled and shook her head, then closed the
door softly. She gathered up her purse and coat, wrapping her
scarf around her neck and pulling on her gloves. With a final look
around the spotless apartment, Esmeralda stepped out into the cold
and headed out to take care of her errands.

************

When Esmeralda came home to drop of her few packages, she
checked on Amber only to find that her fellow guardian hadn't
stirred an inch. She shook her head, understanding all too well
the exhaustion Amber felt, then she turned to the kitchen and
started preparing a simple meal. She ate her portion, then covered
the rest and left it for Amber when she got up. Then she gathered
her things and headed out again, this time making her way to work
at the Senate Building.

She passed through security, nodding to the guys she saw every
night and waving to her fellow custodians. Esmeralda went directly
to her cleaning closet, collecting her cart and checking her
supplies before starting her nightly rounds.

"Esmeralda?" Her boss calling her name pulled Es out of the
brown study she'd fallen into as she did her restocking by rote.
She looked up and smiled. Rick had been a good friend to her since
she'd come to work for him and very understanding about her medical
issues.

"Hey Rick… what's up?"

"I just wanted to let you know that you've got to cover the new
Senator." Her brows rose in question and Rick continued speaking.
"You know that Senator Whitman retired because of his health.
Well, his replacement has been installed in his office. I know
it's unusual, but someone managed to pull some serious strings for
the new senator to keep her there for at least the length of his
remaining tenure. So, you've got the new kid, kid," he added with
a waggle of bushy gray eyebrows.

"I was wondering if you knew her work habits - whether she
worked late or not. But she hasn't been here long enough for us to
have even heard anything yet… to say nothing of having any
practical knowledge."

"No, but from what I have heard of her time as a District
Attorney, I'm thinking you probably have another Senator Tagherty
on your hands." Green eyes flew open wide and Rick chuckled. "I
know," he said in response. "If they all worked that hard, the
world would be a much better place."

"Yes, but I'd never get *my* work done in that case," Es
confided with a wry chuckle.

"And on that note," Rick said as he stepped away from her cart,
"I'll let you get to work."

"Thanks for the heads-up, Rick."

"Anytime, Es. Tell Saphira hello from me."

"Will do."

She watched him walk back towards his office and shook her head
at the way things were falling into place. Then she gathered up
her supplies and started forward to make her rounds.

Most of the senators were in session or in meetings or otherwise
out of the office at this time of day and it didn't take Esmeralda
much time to tidy and clean each of these office areas. The spaces
that had pages and other political assistants taking care of
various duties went a little slower, but the employees recognized
Esmeralda and greeted her cordially.

As darkness fell around her and evening gave way to night,
Esmeralda slowly made her way through the offices she was assigned
to, saving Brianna and Charisma for the last.

She knocked on the door like she always did before entering a
senator's private office space, not even a little surprised to hear
Brianna's voice bid her entrance. Esmeralda opened the door and
pushed the cart in ahead of her, turning to close the door behind
her before facing the woman currently seated behind the desk.

"Esmeralda?" Brianna asked as she rose from her seat. "What are
you…?" She held up her hands to stop her question and
Esmeralda's answer. "Sorry - obviously you're working. I just
didn't realize…."

"I can come back if my being here is a problem, Senator
Walker."

Brianna frowned. "Senator Walker? What happened to
Brianna?"

"It's not my place to assume that sort of intimacy inside these
walls, Senator."

"And if I insist?"

"I am happy to be recognized as a friend, Brianna."

Brianna smiled and stepped forward, embracing Esmeralda briefly
before moving back and crossing her arms over her chest. "Always,
Esmeralda. You're the nicest surprise I've had all day."

"Rough first day?"

"Just a lot of politics - story of my life for a while, I'm
afraid. But seriously, it is great to see you. Did you
know…?"

"That you'd be here? Not until I got to work this evening.
Rick told me someone pulled strings to keep you here." Brianna
tilted her head. "Normally, junior senators don't start off here.
This building is considered premium real estate and most senators
wait for years before having the opportunity to occupy an office
here. Some never do. So someone worked a deal somewhere to keep
you here."

"So I've already started out owing favors?"

Es shrugged. "It's the way of things here - business as usual."
Brianna didn't comment, but went around and sat back at her desk.
"So is it all right…?" motioning to her cart. "I won't get
in your way." Brianna nodded.

"Yes, please." She let the silence go on for a little while,
then…. "Tell me about you and Saphira." Esmeralda cocked an
eyebrow in Brianna's direction. "I'd just like to know more about
you." Brianna paused. "Tell you what - you share with me and I'll
share with you."

"All right," Esmeralda agreed as she picked up the duster.
"I'll start. Do you want to ask specific questions or should I
just throw out random bits of information?"

Brianna's eyes narrowed. "You haven't always been a custodian,
have you?" Esmeralda grinned. This was going to be fun.

Chapter XII

"What makes you say that?" Esmeralda asked as started pulling
supplies from her cart, setting them out in the order she planned
to use them.

"Call it prosecutor's intuition," Brianna said with a satisfied
smile, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning back in her
chair. For the first time since the announcement about her posting
that very morning - what felt like a veritable lifetime ago -
Brianna felt comfortable. Though she had only met Esmeralda the
previous day, there was something about her that inspired a sense
of well-being and Brianna hadn't been kidding when she'd told them
she'd long ago learned to trust her gut. It was an instinct she
had developed the hard way and she wasn't going to dismiss it
now… especially when it boded well for her for a change.

She noted the smirk on Esmeralda's face and couldn't stop the
smile from breaking out across her own, even though she was
confident that the twinkle reflected in green eyes that could have
been her twins meant nothing but trouble for her. "What?"

"I didn't realize prosecuting attorneys were allowed to have
intuition, Senator. I thought they had to check it at the door in
order to get their ID badges."

"Oh ho… funny woman, hmm?" Brianna allowed the twinkle to
form in her own eyes. "Let me guess - you were a comedienne in
another life," she continued drolly.

"No, I've always been a custodian or a janitor in one capacity
or other. I'm good at it, it pays the bills and you'd be surprised
at the things you learn cleaning up behind a person. And while I
would never use that knowledge for my own personal gain, it has
taught me how to read and relate to people better. And that has
given me some wonderful, interesting friends in my life."

"Seriously?"

"Absolutely. To those who see me - who relate to me as a person
- I am a viable friend… someone who has earned trust and
respect. But to most of those that I work for, I'm not a person
but a job to be done. They don't see me - only the results of my
labor - so it's easy to dismiss me, but it tends to make them more
careless than they would be if they realized I was able to see the
things they left behind."

"Don't downplay your intelligence, Esmeralda, or any of the
other talents that you possess." Brianna held up her hand to keep
Esmeralda from interrupting before she could finish. "I don't
trust easily, Es - I've learned not to in my line of work. Too
many people have a tendency to lie first and I've come to expect it
as a matter of course. Because of that I have developed a sense
about people - not always completely accurate, but right much more
often than not."

Esmeralda nodded, but waited for Brianna to continue.

"There's something about you, Esmeralda. You are much more than
you allow most to see, but still people feel comfortable around
you. I imagine a lot of people talk to you - spilling any number
of secrets. And you keep each and every one."

"Brianna, you haven't known me long enough to make that sort of
judgment."

Brianna smiled, the expression genuine and visible in her eyes.
"Normally, I'd agree with you. But I'd be willing to bet good
money I'm right."

"You sure it's not just because you need someone to talk
to… need someone to trust?" Esmeralda watched sadly as the
light faded from Brianna's eyes. "I'm not saying you're wrong,
Brianna, but I don't want you to ever regret confiding in me."

"Do you think I would?"

"I would never give you a reason to, but that doesn't mean you
wouldn't have doubts and regrets if you jumped in with both feet
right at the start. Right now you have nothing more to go on than
your gut and my word, and while I'm sure you trust your gut with
very good reason, my word means nothing to you yet."

Brianna sat back, impressed despite herself. "Seems you really
are a student of human nature, Esmeralda. You appear to know me
very well. So what does my office tell you about me?"

"Aside from the fact that you are moving in?" Es asked with some
levity, motioning to the many boxes still packed and scattered
around the large space. Brianna smiled with appreciation then
nodded and Es took her time surveying the room, walking around
slowly as she observed everything.

"Well, going strictly by the labels on the boxes, you are
something of a scholar if the sheer number and variety of books is
anything to go by. That is not the most important thing to you
though as they haven't even been opened and uncrated yet. You were
probably a Girl Scout at some point in your life as evidenced by
the large first aid kit and several changes of clothing already
ensconced in your closet. Family and friends are important to you
- though some hold more weight and value in your life than others
do. You traveled the world a bit when you were younger, but
adulthood and its responsibilities allows you that luxury only on
rare occasions. And either photography is a bit of a serious hobby
or you travel alone now when you go." She tapped her fingers on
her lips, pretending not to notice Brianna's shell-shocked
countenance. "Let's see… what else?"

"There's more?"

"Not much at first glance," Esmeralda confessed as her eyes
continued to roam the room. "I'd say you probably came from money
and that your parents divorced when you were still fairly young
although you appear to have found or cultivated a new family unit.
And you're most comfortable surrounded by the warmth of familiarity
that these reminders bring you. Other than that…?" She
shrugged. "Only time will reveal more."

Brianna blinked. "How did you…?" She looked around the
office. "How can you tell all that? All I see is a bunch of
unpacked boxes in a mostly bare space."

"I explained about the books," Esmeralda started patiently,
waiting for Brianna to nod her agreement. "Were you a girl
scout?"

Brianna blushed slightly but nodded again. "I went through the
whole program - I was an ambassador."

"Which is why you've learned to prepare for the unexpected as
much as you possibly can."

"And the family and friends?"

"You already have their pictures out and placed around your
office; you can see all of them, but their framing and placement
indicate their value in your life. This one," picking up the
crystal frame Brianna had purchased in Ireland years before. "This
one is especially important - the frame is expensive and it holds
the most prominent position on your desk - so it stands to reason
that the other person in it is important to you… or was when
the picture of the two of you was taken. Either way, it is a
reminder of what you consider to be one of the happiest times of
your life. These," motioning to a small grouping of silver frames
on one corner of the desk, "are family or close friends, I'm
guessing… maybe both. Those," gesturing to the pictures hung
on the wall across from the desk, "are people you're glad to have
met - you may even keep in touch with the occasional email or
Christmas cards - but that's it. The collages - places you've gone
and the memories make you happy, so you keep them close behind you
where you can turn and look anytime you need to relax."

"I would guess these," motioning to two pictures that hung on
either side of prominently displayed diplomas, "are your parents.
You have her height, build and eye color and his smile and hair.
Since you are alone with your father in his picture and with your
mother and her husband in hers and since your dad isn't wearing a
wedding ring, it stands to reason that they are no longer married
to one another. The fact that there is no mark on his ring finger
means they probably haven't been together for a while."

"And the travel?"

Esmeralda smiled. "That was actually the easiest." She walked
around the desk to take a closer look. "These," pointing to the
college of Brianna's and Charisma's graduation trip, "show you in
most of them. If I was to guess, I'd say probably when you were in
college and you traveled with at least one friend," not yet
mentioning she recognized the same younger version of Charisma
Tagherty that sat so prominently on Brianna's desk in the crystal
frame. "These," gesturing to the next set, " are still whimsical
and personal, and yet there are no obvious people in them, except
the one you're in. The photos are of the places themselves, not
the people you spent time with there. The timeline is only a guess
on my part because photography has changed so much over the last
twenty years or so, but I'd guess the two trips were at least ten
years apart. And these," standing in front of the last collage,
"these are the work of an artist - someone who knows how frame a
shot and get the maximum effect. You could probably sell them if
you were so inclined. I find it interesting that you don't seem to
have visited the same place twice in a row… judging by your
photography anyway."

Esmeralda turned to face Brianna, smiling gently at the totally
gobsmacked look that graced her face. "So… how'd I do?"

Brianna blinked a couple times, her mouth opening and closing
silently as she tried to recover her scattered wits. "If I didn't
know any better, I'd say you were either psychic or a stalker."
She held up her hand before Esmeralda could protest. "But your
explanations - seeing through your eyes was amazing… and very
telling in and of itself."

"How so?"

"You're wasted as a custodian, Esmeralda. You should be a
police detective or a secret service agent. You don't miss very
much and you have a real grasp on human nature."

Esmeralda smiled. "Lots of practice." She drew in a breath
then hesitated, unsure if she should continue. Brianna cocked an
inquiring brow and Es shrugged. "I was just noticing - this
reminds me of someone I know," retrieving the crystal frame from
the desk and studying it carefully. "Another friend of mine. This
young woman is about half her age, although given your age
here…." She placed it gently back on the desk and met
Brianna's green eyes squarely, shaking her head. "But what are the
odds of that, huh?"

Brianna smiled weakly, but plowed ahead. "This friend…
she doesn't happen to be a United States Senator, does she?"

"As a matter of fact…."

"Um hmm… and does she have a name?"

"Senator Tagherty… Charisma Tagherty. Is
that…?"

Brianna nodded. "We were college roommates and best friends
once upon a time. Then our lives took different paths and we lost
touch with one another."

Esmeralda smiled despite the feeling of impending doom that
suddenly resonated throughout the room. The tension was apparent
in the stiff lines of Brianna's body and Es could feel it scrape
and vibrate along her own nerves. However, she was committed to
this course of action, so….

"Well, then - isn't it nice that you're neighbors now?"
gesturing towards the closed office door. "It will give you the
chance to…."

"No!" Brianna cut in before Esmeralda could finish her thought.
Esmeralda looked at her with shock and confusion clear in her eyes
and expression. While Brianna's reaction was not unexpected for
the angel, the custodian needed a more human response.

"But…?"

Brianna held up her hand to halt Esmeralda's words and she took
a deep breath before speaking again herself. "I appreciate what
you're saying, Esmeralda. But that was a long time ago - things
aren't the same anymore."

Es rolled her eyes dramatically, coaxing a reluctant smile from
Brianna despite her best efforts to remain stern. "Of course
they're not, Brianna. Life is about change - it's the one
guaranteed constant we're assured of. That doesn't make it a bad
thing. C'mon… can you sit there and tell me you have so many
friends you can afford to refuse the opportunity to make
another… or renew one that's been lost for years?"

"In this case, yes," Brianna replied firmly. "Leave it alone,
Esmeralda. You don't know what happened between Charisma and
me."

"You're not going to able to avoid her forever, Brianna. You're
from the same state; your offices are just down the hall from one
another; and you belong to the same social and political circles.
Eventually you're going to run into one another."

"I'm sure at some point we'll even have to work together. That
doesn't mean we have to try to be friends again, Es. Far too much
water has flowed beneath that particular bridge, I'm afraid.
However, I am a consummate professional - I've spent years
cultivating that persona in the courtroom - and I will deal with
Senator Tagherty as such. She's done a lot of good in her position
Esmeralda, and I admire that about her - I always have. I also
appreciate the hard work and effort she's put into her career. Her
focus was legendary in college and she's successful for that very
reason. I've had to do much the same thing to be at the top of my
profession." Brianna shrugged. "We don't have to be friendly to
get things done."

"Wouldn't it be easier?"

"Probably. But it's not likely, so I'm happy just to maintain
the status quo."

Esmeralda remained quiet for a bit, biting her lip in silent
contemplation. Finally… "I think you're wrong, you know."

Brianna smiled sadly. "I know. It still doesn't alter the
truth."

"Maybe," Es conceded as she started putting her cleaning
supplies away. "Will you do something for me?"

Brianna eyed her warily. "What, exactly?"

"Let me reintroduce you. Nothing fancy… nothing public.
Just a casual reintroduction here. She works late many
nights… says she gets more done without all the interruptions
daylight hours bring."

Brianna blew out a frustrated breath. She'd known when she'd
accepted the appointment to this position that she and Charisma
would have to meet face to face at some point. Would it be better
to do so privately with only the two of them where things could
turn personal and questions get asked that Brianna didn't have a
ready answer she was willing to share? Or in a public venue where
the hundreds of eyes surrounding them ensured that any interaction
between them would remain polite and professional? Brianna scoffed
silently to herself. She felt confident, given their history and
the fact that Charisma had let her go without seeking her out for
answers years ago, that as long as she did not assume the air of an
injured party, things could remain cordial and cool between them.
And since she freely acknowledged that she was the one that had set
them on this course years ago, she decided that was the best she
could hope for.

"I'll tell you what, Es. You talk to Charisma first. If she
wants something like that, then I'll agree to it, all right?"

Esmeralda studied green eyes so like her own for a long moment,
then solemnly nodded once. "All right." She pushed her cart
towards the door. She stopped when Brianna called out to her
again, then turned to look at her, waiting for her to speak.

"Why do you care? You don't know me… not really…
and you don't know the story of what happened between me and
Charisma or the circumstances surrounding our estrangement. So
why?"

Esmeralda held her eyes for a long moment. "I've been where you
are Brianna." She held up her hand to keep Brianna from
interrupting her. "No, I don't know the details of what happened
between you and Charisma, but the look you have in your eyes? I've
seen that look in my own before. It was one of the darkest periods
of my life… when I thought Saphira was lost to me forever.
If I can do something to bring you a measure of peace, even if it
is just be there to support you both when you meet again for the
first time or listen when you need to talk, I want to do that. No
one should be completely alone, especially in that much pain - no
matter how bravely and stoically you try to bear it."

"I know," Brianna agreed softly, remembering the feeling of
family she'd felt surrounding the two of them the night before. "I
hope you realize how lucky you are."

"I count my blessings every single day, Brianna. But I need to
get a move on. I still have work to do, and I promised to meet
Saphira at the diner when I'm done."

Brianna nodded, donning her professional facade once more. She
rose and moved to open the door for Esmeralda, stopping her just
outside the office with a touch on her arm. "Thank you,
Esmeralda," her eyes conveying so much more than her words.
Esmeralda simply smiled and nodded then headed through the outer
offices towards the hall. Brianna watched her go, only closing the
door when she was out of sight.

When she was in the hall, Esmeralda leaned against the wall and
took a deep breath. Well, it could have gone better, but it
certainly wasn't as bad as it could have been. Of course, there's
still Charisma to talk to and after what Amber said….

Esmeralda shook her head and sighed, pushing off the wall and
slipping down the hallway to her next charge. This was turning out
to be a far more interesting day than she'd expected. But at least
her talk with Brianna had given her an inkling of hope about the
possibilities of salvaging things. Time to beard the lion, she
thought, and knocked softly on Charisma's door.

Only time would tell if her inklings were right.

Chapter XIII

Saphira noticed the distinct slump in Esmeralda's shoulders even
in the darkness as she approached the diner. A swift look of
concern passed between Joe and Saphira before Saphira headed to the
door to meet Esmeralda. Es leaned her head against Saphira's
shoulder and closed her eyes, smiling when the other woman's arms
wrapped around her securely. She returned the hug without
reservation, tucking her nose into the crook of Saphira's neck and
breathing deeply. A chuckle made her pull back slightly to look
into twinkling blue eyes.

"You were tickling me."

Es smiled briefly before tucking herself back beneath Saphira's
chin. "Sorry," she said softly, though the smile was apparent in
her voice. Saphira shifted to keep Esmeralda in a one armed
embrace and turned them towards the seating area of the diner. She
closed the door and locked it, drawing the blinds and flipping the
'open' sign off. Then they made their way to the counter and took
a seat as Joe came around from the back with two laden plates.

Esmeralda cocked an eyebrow at him. He grinned and set one
between them and put the other in front of himself. Saphira rose
and filled three glasses with milk, placing them on the counter
before resuming her seat beside Esmeralda.

"Thank you, Joe," Es said as she picked up half of the huge club
sandwich.

"Anytime, Essie. You eat up. Matilda should be here in a few
and you don't want her to see you picking at your food. She
already worries about you enough," he said with the merest hint of
chiding in his voice.

"I know. I'm sor…." She stopped speaking when Joe held
up his hand.

"I'm not saying it to make you feel bad, Essie. I just want you
to know you're important to more than just Saphira. You were sick
for a long time, and we worry about you... both of you. You've
been like family to us since you came here and we just wanna see
you get back to full health again."

"If you're gonna be holding hands with my hubby, I think I'm
gonna be stealing me a kiss from your best girl," Matilda declared
as she came around from the kitchen and brushed a kiss over
Saphira's cheek before coming around to cup Esmeralda's face in her
hands. "How're you doing, Essie? I missed seeing you
yesterday."

Es patted the hands that held her face and kept her eyes locked
on Matilda's deep brown ones. "I'm better, Matilda… really.
Just a little tired."

Matilda studied the green eyes that held hers, brushing a lock
of blonde hair from her face. "You're working too hard. Are those
big shots on the Hill working you to death?"

"No, Matilda. My work isn't stressful and the Senators that I
work for are very kind to me. Besides," she added impishly, "I get
the best gossip you know. I could probably make a fortune if I
ever decided to become a tell-all author."

"You probably could," Matilda snorted, holding her eyes for
another long moment, then nodding her head. "All right. Now eat
up," motioning to the unfinished sandwich and the fries Saphira
hadn't eaten. "I have chocolate cake for you to take home with
you," chuckling as Esmeralda's eyes widened comically.
"Please… like I don't know exactly what it'll take to fatten
you up. It's in a box in the fridge. Uh uh," she continued when
Es made as if to get up to go retrieve it. "Food first… then
cake. And don't even try it," Matilda instructed when Esmeralda's
bottom lip threatened to make an appearance. "You act like I
didn't learn all the tricks with my own kids," she added with a
snort. "You're gonna have to get a lot older before you get old
enough to put one over on me, young lady. And you should already
be old enough to know better than to even try."

"Yes, Matilda," Esmeralda agreed with a smirk green eyes
twinkling merrily. Matilda snorted again and shook her head. She
turned to Saphira who was swallowing the last of her milk. "You
better keep an eye on this one, Phira," she commented. "She's
getting saucy again."

Esmeralda swallowed her mouthful and glared at them both
balefully. "I'm sitting right here, you know." Saphira wrapped an
arm around her shoulders and Esmeralda relaxed into the
embrace.

"We know… that's what makes it easy."

Esmeralda didn't deign to speak again; instead, she concentrated
on finishing the food Joe had prepared. With a contented sigh, she
popped the last fry into her mouth and chugged the last of her
milk. She deliberately snatched up her napkin and wiped the milk
mustache covering her upper lip.

"Feel better?" Saphira asked with real concern in both eyes and
voice. Esmeralda's lack of response to Matilda's teasing meant one
of two things - either she had just been peckish and needed to eat,
in which case she would soon make a snarky remark as payback. Or
something deeper was wrong. And given her slumped posture as she
approached the diner earlier, Saphira was inclined to lean towards
the second option. "Es?"

Esmeralda turned her face into Saphira's neck for a long moment,
closing her eyes and accepting the wordless comfort she found
there. When Saphira's arms tightened convulsively around her, she
sighed and pulled back and looked into troubled blue eyes.
Esmeralda smiled gently.

"I'm fine, Phira. Just been one of those days."

Saphira cocked an eyebrow, but she realized Esmeralda couldn't
elaborate in front of their mortal friends, regardless of how much
they loved and trusted Joe and Matilda. Angel business was
strictly that, and not losing face in front of the mortals they
interacted with was one of the first rules they tried to abide
by.

Matilda leaned over and placed a hand on Esmeralda's forehead,
briefly checking for fever before brushing a kiss over the
self-same spot. She exchanged glances with Saphira and pushed away
from the counter to head back towards the kitchen. Saphira
followed suit, gathering the empty plates, only to have Joe take
them from her. So she turned back towards Esmeralda, waiting for
her to stand before helping her on with her coat. Es was returning
the favor just as Matilda returned from the kitchen with a box in
hand.

"Here," she offered and Saphira accepted the box. "There's a
big piece in there for you to share tonight and three smaller
pieces - one for each of you to have tomorrow and one for Amber.
You go home now and get some rest, all right?"

Esmeralda smiled and leaned forward to brush a kiss over the
older woman's cheek. "Thank you, Matilda. You're the best. God
will repay you in kind one day."

The woman shook her head slightly as though to brush off the
words. "I dunno about that, Essie. But I do know what goes around
will come around and it don't pay to kick folks when they're down.
And I know you and Saphira have had more than your share of trials
and tribulations." She chuckled at the bewildered look on the two
that stood facing her. "I know you don't say much, but we know,"
motioning between her and Joe. "We've been there a time or two
before ourselves and I recognize the look. Now," shooing them
towards the door unceremoniously, "home… both of you."

They leaned around on either side of Matilda. "Night, Joe."

He grinned and waved. "Night, lovelies. Be safe," he added
before disappearing into the kitchen. Matilda urged them towards
the door.

"You heard the old man," she said with a smile. "Be safe.
We'll see you both tomorrow." She let them out the door and locked
it firmly behind them, then waited for them both to turn and wave
goodnight one last time before they headed for the subway. Only
then did Matilda move away from the door and head to the back.

Saphira and Esmeralda walked in silence til they reached the
station, swiping their cards and nodding to the attendants who
recognized them. The train pulled in just as they approached the
platform and they stepped aboard, finding a seat with ease and
settling back for the short ride to their stop.

When they reached their small apartment, it was quiet and empty.
Amber had long since headed out for her assignment and it was only
the two of them in the house. Saphira took Esmeralda's coat and
her own, hanging them neatly in the closet while Esmeralda put
their cake on a plate and stuffed the rest of it into the fridge.
Then they headed to their room together. A few minutes spent
preparing for bed and they were soon curled up together in the
middle of the mattress sharing the large slice of decadent
chocolate cake. After they were finished, Saphira placed the plate
on the nightstand and took Esmeralda in her arms.

"You ready to talk about it?" she asked quietly.

Esmeralda sighed and curled tighter into Saphira's body. "Some
days, Phira," shaking her head and sighing again. "Charisma didn't
show up for work - actually, that's not quite true. She wasn't
there very long because Amber got a call to go looking for her.
I'm still not sure…."

She broke off abruptly and when she didn't continue, Saphira
prompted, "You want to start at the beginning, sweetheart? I'm a
little lost."

Esmeralda sighed again. "You heard the announcement of
Brianna's appointment," feeling Saphira nod her head above her.
"According to Amber, Charisma's private reaction was less than
welcoming - her words were 'fire and ice'."

"Yikes!"

"Yes - I suspect it wasn't pretty. Fortunately, Charisma was
smart enough to keep it private."

She felt Saphira draw a deep breath and waited, knowing her
partner was thinking things through. When she didn't speak
immediately, Esmeralda tilted her head up to peer at Saphira in the
gloom of near darkness, knowing her partner would understand the
action from the movement.

"Okay… so, Charisma went to work, heard the announcement
and disappeared for the rest of the day?"

"Essentially. Opal said she came in like usual, though she
seemed preoccupied. After the announcement was made, Charisma had
Opal cancel her appointments for the day and call for her car.
Opal called Turq for the car and then called Amber to bring her up
to speed on things."

"Why not you? This is your operation, after all."

Esmeralda smirked, knowing that even if the expression couldn't
be seen on her face, the infliction would be clearly heard in her
voice. "And they have strict orders from you and Amber not to
disturb me if it isn't an emergency on threat of horrific bodily
harm. They take that seriously." She felt Saphira duck her head
in acknowledgement and cupped her cheek gently before brushing
their lips together.

"How long? How long have you known?"

"Why do you think Amber is my second on this mission, love?"
feeling the cheek beneath her hand crease into a smile. "I know as
well as they do that I am not completely up to par yet and I
appreciate everyone looking out for me. I know Amber would have
called if I was needed; but the truth is that right now I am in the
best place I can be for both of them and I shouldn't be seen
outside of that capacity."

Saphira nodded. "So where did she go?"

"The riding stable. Apparently, she and Cleo ran until they
were both soaked with sweat. Amber left her when she returned home
knowing Ame was there to keep an eye on her. I am assuming she is
still there since I haven't gotten a call from either Ame or Amber
indicating anything different. Amber is with her now… not
that Charisma is even aware of her presence."

"I think it might be time for a roundtable."

Esmeralda sighed and nodded her agreement. "I think you may be
right. I'll contact those who aren't on the clock right now. Good
thing we share a building, huh? Those that are sleeping will only
have to come downstairs."

Saphira rose from the bed, kissing Es firmly before allowing her
corporeal form to fall away and her wings to re-emerge. "I'll send
Amber back as soon as I get there."

"Thank you, Phira. I don't think it will take long, but I need
to know…."

"Shh… I understand, love. I'm the one who suggested it,
remember? You need to know so we know what direction we need to
head in to get these two back on track." She spread her wings and
faded from mortal sight. "I'll be back."

************

"I'm sorry to call everyone here on such short notice,
especially those of you are usually sleeping now," glancing at
Turq, Ame and Opal. "Thank you for your quick response. I'd just
like a brief recap of today's events from each of you and your take
on them. Let's start with Ame's arrival at the house this morning
and go through the events as they happened."

Ame told of her arrival as housekeeper, mentioning that Charisma
seemed tired and a little distracted, but otherwise much as she was
any other day. Turq made the same observations and then Es turned
to Opal.

"It was like watching her freeze over. When she saw the news,
she didn't move… she was barely breathing. She was
exceptionally calm about it - she simply returned to her office and
closed the door behind her. When she came out, she gave me the
orders to call for Turq and cancel her appointments. Then she
left."

"Turq, Amber - did she say anything… call anyone, once she
was in the car?"

Turq shook her dark head. "No… neither time, actually. I
took her to the stables and waited for her there; Amber kept an eye
on her while she was out on Cleo, then I took her home and she
dismissed me for the remainder of the day."

"And she stayed home the rest of the day?"

Ame nodded. "Playing with Adam. As soon as dinner was over,
she sent me home. I had to shield myself from her gaze to remain
with her until Amber arrived."

Esmeralda turned to Amber. "And tonight?"

"She was sitting in her office staring at her desk when Saphira
arrived. And speaking of… I better get back there so she can
get some sleep."

Esmeralda nodded. "Thanks, Amber… ladies. I appreciate
your insights," folding her hands on the table. The rest took
their cue and bid Es a soft goodnight before returning to their own
apartments. Esmeralda waited until the door closed behind the last
of them before rising and moving back to the bedroom to await
Saphira's return.

************

Charisma sat at her desk, her eyes unseeing in the darkness,
though she would have been unable to see Saphira's silent figure
observing her regardless of the light factor in the room. A knock
on the door didn't faze her - it wasn't until the door opened and a
streak of light fell across her desk that she looked up and met
Kent's gaze as he poked his head into the room. She stared at him
without blinking and he tilted his head, frowning at her lack of
expression.

"Charisma?"

It took a moment, but finally Charisma blinked and focused on
Kent. She smiled at him, but it was sad… different from the
sadness he was used to seeing. He stepped further into the room,
but left the door open to shed some light in the room.

"Charisma? Are you okay?"

She blinked again and nodded slowly. "I'm fine, Kent," she
replied, and after a tiny hesitation, gestured him inside. "What
can I do for you?"

He shook his head awkwardly and cleared his throat. "Nothing.
I just wanted to remind you I'm leaving for the city in the
morning. I have several auditions over the next few days, but I
should be back by the end of next week."

"All right," she agreed absently, then looked at him fully.
"Break a leg, Kent. I hope you get the part you really want."

"You really do, don't you?"

Charisma nodded. "I want for you to have what you want in life,
Kent. I'd like for you to be happy."

He paused, not saying what he wanted to, but turning the
question around on her instead. "What about you, Charisma?"

"I'm happy, Kent - I'm just tired." She stepped from behind the
desk and headed towards the door, brushing a kiss on his cheek when
she passed by him on the way out of the room. He stood still and
accepted the rare touch before following her out of the room and
closing the door. He never saw the photograph lying in the center
of the desk.

************

Esmeralda blinked sleepily when she felt the warm body curl up
behind her and Esmeralda turned in Saphira's arms. "Sorry, I meant
to wait up…."

Saphira removed her fingers from Esmeralda's lips when her words
stopped. "It's all right, love. I expected you to be asleep."

"So nothing to report?" a sleepy smile in her voice.

"Nothing that won't wait until tomorrow," Saphira assured her.
"Go back to sleep."

"Love you," Es mumbled before sleep overtook her once more. It
was a little while longer before Saphira closed her eyes and joined
her.

Chapter XIV

Saphira blinked against the brightness she could feel coming in
the windows and sat up so swiftly, she nearly banged her head
against the headboard. Only the weight of Esmeralda's warm body
against her own kept her from leaping completely out of the bed.
Saphira consciously slowed her frantic heartbeat and gentled her
actions as she pushed Esmeralda's hair from her eyes and shook her
shoulder with a light touch.

"Uh uh... Ruby's coverin'," Esmeralda mumbled, burying her face
deeper into Saphira's belly. Saphira chuckled lightly, causing Es
to lean back far enough to glare at her before trying to burrow
back into Saphira's body. Saphira stopped her with a hand on her
shoulder. Esmeralda huffed and rolled onto her back so she could
look up into Saphira's blue eyes.

"What do you mean, Ruby's covering? Since when is Ruby part of
this assignment? I thought we had already stretched the numbers
too thin with this operation."

Esmeralda shrugged. "I thought so too, actually, but apparently
having to cover two such prominent and active individuals means we
get more help."

"Did you ask for it?"

"No, Phira. He supplied it."

"Any explanation?"

"Only that He deemed it necessary and timely. Jas' words were
'He supplied your need in His time'."

Saphira only just contained the snort she wanted to release and
instead nodded her head solemnly. She knew what Jas had said was
true; it was just that her time would have been much sooner than
His time... especially considering Esmeralda's slow recovery and
the magnitude of this particular project. "Well, I for one will be
glad of the help. Maybe we can all get a little more rest so we
don't mess things up by being careless."

Esmeralda nodded. "I think that is the idea. Ruby said she'll
be taking the morning shift at the diner, so you'll only be working
one shift from now on." Es shifted until she was sitting beside
Saphira, wrapping her arms around her waist and holding Saphira in
a loose embrace. "I can't tell you how glad I am for that, Phira.
I know being here with me like this is part of your restitution and
punishment, but I've worried about the toll this has taken on
you."

Her touch was gentle, but her eyes were fierce when Saphira
tilted Esmeralda's head up. "Me?? What about you, sweetheart??
I'm not the one who got sick and almost died!!" Esmeralda could
hear the near panic in Saphira's voice and feel the racing of her
heart. She put a hand over Saphira's heart even as she leaned
forward and brushed their lips together.

"It's all right, Phira. I didn't die and I'm getting better
every day... a little stronger every day. Besides, this is my job.
I'm a little more used to the aggravations and frustrations that
go along with being a clean-up angel."

"Yeah, but He still shouldn't have sent you...."

"Don't question His reason, love," Esmeralda chided. "I had to
be the one to do this... *we* had to be the ones to do this. They
need us." She paused. "Besides, I'm the best at what I do."

Saphira grinned at Esmeralda's shy admission and the tiny smile
that accompanied it. "Yes," she admitted. "Yes, you are. And I
suppose if they really need us...."

"They do. Trust me on this, Phira. It'll make a lot more sense
when you meet Charisma."

"Yeah... what about that, by the way?"

"She's asked - she's very anxious to meet you. I just need to
find a time that works." She hesitated. "Maybe I'll see if I can
pin her down for some time next week. Since it's Friday, I doubt
she'll be available for the next few days."

Saphira nodded. "Let me know. We'll work something out." She
shifted until she was lying almost flat again. "So who else is
here besides Ruby and Jas? And how do the rest feel about doubling
up on their living space?"

"Well, to answer your second question first, I don't think they
care - they're as glad to have the extra help as we are. As for
who is here - Jas is gonna be Brianna's new driver; Jade and Mal
are on 'whatever' duty until and unless Brianna sets up her own
household. We'll make sure they are placed on her household staff
if that happens. Indi will be in the office and Coral will be
Amber's opposite... watching over her at night."

Saphira nodded. "Maybe this will give everybody a little
breathing space, at least for a little while. Until Jade and Mal
have something more permanent, they can rotate around and give each
of the others a little time off to not be human." She looked at
Esmeralda. "I never understood how wearing that was until I had to
do it. How do mortals survive this stuff?" motioning around
her.

"His grace," Es mumbled. "And true grit. He created them to
survive, Phira." She turned into Saphira's body, cuddling up until
she was lying on Saphira's chest. "I'm just glad we don't have to
get up yet. I hadn't realized how tired I was until Ruby sent me
back to bed."

"So we've got a little more time before we have to go rushing
out of the house today?" Saphira asked quietly, her voice dropping
into its deepest registers. Esmeralda shivered and tilted her head
until her eyes met Saphira's. She gasped at the naked love and
desire shining back at her from glowing blue eyes. Es reached up a
hand and tenderly cupped Saphira's face - it had been an eternity
since Saphira had let her see such raw passion in her expression...
unwilling to guilt Esmeralda into more than she felt able to give
during her recovery. She felt her own eyes start to glow in
response.

"Yes," she replied briefly, letting her hand slide along the
smooth skin of Saphira's face before tangling in her dark hair.
Esmeralda felt the wicked smile form, only to find its twin in
Saphira's expression. Without another word, she tugged Saphira's
lips to her own, then there were no more words between them for a
very long time.

************

"So what happened last night?" Esmeralda asked when they were
once more curled comfortably around one another, blissfully sated.
Saphira still had a couple hours before she needed to get ready for
work, but there was still angel business to discuss. Saphira
stretched and shifted around in the bed until she was laying flat
on her back with Esmeralda wiggling into place beside her.
"Better?" Es asked, tilting her head just enough to see Saphira's
profile in her peripheral vision. Saphira glanced down at her and
nodded.

"Yes, thanks," she drawled lazily, her rakish grin indicative of
the fact that she was referring to more than just their current
positions. Es blushed and Saphira's smile gentled. "I love you,
ya know."

"I know," Es agreed readily. "It's very mutual."

"Lucky for me," Saphira mumbled. "Don't know what I'd do
without you, sweetheart." She swallowed hard. "I'd be a lost soul
like Charisma."

Saphira kept one arm firmly around Esmeralda's body, cradling
her into her own warmth. The other arm she pulled up and tucked
under her head, assuming what Es referred to as her 'thinking
pose'. Saphira worried her lip as she marshaled her thoughts, then
let out a deep sigh. "All right. I'll tell you what happened, but
you need to understand that I'm the one who had the epiphany last
night."

"Phira?"

"Hush, love, and let me tell it. Did Amber tell you what went
on prior to my arrival?" Es shook her head. Saphira grunted
slightly. "Figures."

"We only got into bare basics last night."

Saphira nodded. "All right... well, it seems that as soon as
dinner was finished in the Tagherty household, Kent went into his
study while Charisma put Adam down for the night. Then she went
into her study, opened her safe and pulled out a well-loved photo
album."

"*The* photo album?"

"Yes. She removed a single picture from the album and returned
the book to the safe."

"What picture?" Es asked impatiently. Saphira chuckled in
silence, only to let out a whoosh of air when Esmeralda smacked her
on the belly before soothing the self-same spot. Saphira glared at
her momentarily before relaxing into the soft touch.

"My word, you're an impatient little thing," Saphira teased
after a moment. It was Esmeralda's turn to glare and Saphira
squeezed her lightly in an effort to placate her. "I must have
arrived not long after, because that was all Amber shared with me
before she took off to head back here."

"Did you get a chance to look at the picture?" Es asked again,
impatience tingeing her voice though Saphira felt her effort to
control it. She nodded.

"I did." She paused and Es lifted her head, realizing
immediately that Saphira was lost in her thoughts and not simply
trying to tease her by drawing things out.

"Phira?"

Saphira blinked and shook her head. "Sorry. I was
just...."

"...thinking," Es said with her. "I know. Share?"

"I will - it's part of this story actually. The picture
Charisma had pulled from the album was one of her and Brianna. It
was night and they were standing in front of the Trevi Fountain in
Rome."

"Were their arms around each other?" Es asked knowingly.
"Looking at the camera and grinning?"

"No," Saphira said, bringing Esmeralda's head up in surprise.
"I don't think they were even aware of the camera at all." She bit
her lip and Esmeralda waited silently. "Their foreheads were
leaned together and their eyes were closed... or focused on their
hands. It was hard to tell from my angle," Saphira added with a
shrug. "I was afraid to get too close; I think Charisma could
sense me."

Esmeralda frowned. "Really? That's...."

"I know. It was unnerving for me as well. That's never
happened before."

"Why did you think she could?" Not doubting her mate's words,
but Esmeralda was curious as to what had led Saphira to that
conclusion.

"Maybe she's of gypsy descent; all I know is when I got close
enough to see the photograph, her head came up and she looked
around the room as though searching for something... or
someone."

Esmeralda blinked. "That's odd. She's never given me any
indication that she senses me as anything other than mortal."

"Because you've never been anything other than mortal around
her, Es. You've never been near her as an angel."

Esmeralda nodded. "This is true. I wonder if it's happened to
Amber."

"I dunno - she hasn't said anything to me, but it's not like
I've seen her except in passing."

"Well, she hasn't said anything to me either, but I'm certainly
going ask when I see her next."

Saphira glanced at the clock. "That should be fairly soon.
She's probably out there drumming her fingers on the table waiting
for you to get up." She made a face. "She's probably waiting for
you to fix lunch." Saphira flinched when Esmeralda pinched her.
"OW! What'd you do that for?"

"She could be cooking for us, you know."

Saphira shuddered visibly. "I hope not. I've seen what happens
to people that eat her cooking... angel status not
withstanding."

Esmeralda couldn't stop the laughter that howled from between
her lips and Saphira grinned broadly, pleased with herself
immeasurably. After a moment, Es straightened and drew a deep
breath, shaking her head to compose her expression. "Thank you,
love. I know we're pretty far afield of our original discussion,
but I needed that. I needed this," motioning between them.

Saphira brushed a kiss over the top of Esmeralda's head. "So
did I."

"So back to the picture.... How could they not have been aware
of it? Someone had to have taken it, which means they had to have
asked someone... given someone their cameras to take it."

"Doesn't mean they were aware that picture was being taken until
after it was on film."

"True. Wonder if Brianna has a copy of it," Saphira mused.

"Maybe, but I'd be willing to guess she doesn't - it's not
anywhere in her office anyway. The one of them at Trevi has the
two of them facing the camera and grinning like crazy; it's on her
desk facing her. She's the only one that can see it." Es shifted.
"So tell me more about Charisma's reaction."

"It was... sad." Saphira paused thoughtfully. "Poignant. She
sat staring at it for a long time - just looking; I'm almost
positive there were tears in her eyes. Just before Kent knocked on
the door, she trailed her fingers over it, though I'm not sure if
she was just touching it as she remembered or if it was something
more."

"So she knows."

Saphira nodded. "I'd say yes."

Esmeralda blew out a breath. "That could go either way."

"As to?"

"If Charisma knows how Brianna feels and she's at least
acknowledged her own feelings to herself, then this will likely
play out one of two ways. Either she will be hurt, but will need
to forgive Brianna for leaving or she will be angry and will
struggle to keep their interactions strictly profession and to a
minimum."

"That's it?"

"Those are the typical human reactions to this sort of
situations. But that is assuming she is aware of both her feelings
and Brianna's."

"And if she isn't?"

"If she isn't aware of Brianna's feelings, she will be hurt. If
she hasn't acknowledged her own feelings, she will be angry."

Saphira covered her face with her arm. "This is giving me a
headache."

Esmeralda smiled sympathetically. "Those are just the basic
hypotheticals. The fact is we don't have quite enough of the
pieces in our hands yet to have a good idea of what's coming down
the pipeline yet. Once I get a good feel for where Charisma is
about all this, we'll have a better idea."

"Are you *certain* we can't just smack them around a little and
make them resolve this now?" Esmeralda shifted and sat up, making
a move to get out of the bed. She slid into her robe, only to feel
Saphira's arms wrap around her. "Where you going?" Saphira mumbled
into her shoulder.

"Yes, I'm certain," Es answered, patting the arms slowly rocking
her side to side. "And I'm going to get a shower. Would you like
to join me?"

Saphira was out of the bed so quickly, Esmeralda was nearly
catapulted from the bed. She narrowed her eyes at Saphira who gave
her a sheepish smile in return.

"Sorry."

Es held her gaze for another moment before she relented.
"C'mon. We still need to eat before we go to work." Then they
crossed into the bathroom and closed the door solidly behind
them.

************

Amber was sitting at the table eating a peanut butter and jelly
sandwich when they exited their room, both dried and dressed and
ready for work. She looked up and gave them the stink eye before
turning her attention back to the newspaper she was reading without
a word.

"What are you still doing up?" Esmeralda asked, glancing at the
clock before pulling out a skillet. Saphira joined her and they
rustled through the fridge together, pulling out ingredients for
their lunch. They put things on the counter, then turned back to
Amber, realizing she hadn't answered Esmeralda's question. Saphira
cocked an eyebrow at her.

"Problem?"

Amber turned and looked at Esmeralda. "Are you all right?"

Esmeralda frowned. "Yes, why wouldn't I be?"

Amber took a deep breath. "No reason, I guess. I was just
worried when I saw so many newbies headed out of here when I got in
this morning... especially when I was told you were off limits.
Ruby said you needed the rest."

"I did; I haven't felt this good in a long time, Amber."

Amber smirked. "I'll bet," watching the blood flush Esmeralda's
face. "Don't mind your old sis, Es. It's just become natural to
worry about you, and I'm tired after last night."

Saphira pushed off the counter and turned to grab three plates
as Esmeralda removed the skillet from the heat. She set one in
front of Amber, then placed the other two on the table for herself
and Es. "Something happened?"

"Grab a seat," Amber instructed. "I'll bring you up to
date."

Chapter XV

"By the time I got back and went upstairs, Charisma was already
in bed; I figured she was asleep."

"She wasn't?"

Amber shook her head. "No... not at first, anyway. She was
curled around her pillow, eyes closed. Only when I got closer did
I see the tears rolling silently down her cheeks."

"No, but as Saphira pointed out to me, I have only been a human
mortal around her. I've never observed her as an angel."

"Weird." Amber bit her lip thoughtfully. "Maybe it has to do
with our classifications?" watching as Saphira's and Esmeralda's
brows rose in tandem. "Well, think about it - I'm a guide
guardian... I'm not supposed to be noticed as more than a feeling
or an influence. You're a clean-up guardian, Es - your job
requires you to be human... no interaction as an angel while you're
on a job. But Saphira's an Angel of Retribution - she's supposed
to make an impact as an angel. If Charisma is sensitive at all,
she might be able to feel the strength of that impression."

Esmeralda and Saphira exchanged brief stares. "Well, that would
explain a lot." They turned back to Amber. "So what else
happened?"

Amber sighed. "Her breathing changed, so I know she fell
asleep, but the tears didn't stop. After a bit she seemed to fall
into a dream... or a nightmare; it's hard to say without knowing
any details. I do know she shot up out of bed gasping for breath."
The three swapped looks, knowing full well that could indicate any
number of things. "Then she got up and went back downstairs to her
study. She stayed there the rest of the night - caught between
pacing the length of the room and studying the pictures on her
desk."

"Pictures? Plural?"

Amber nodded. "Yes. She recovered the album from her safe and
went through them slowly... one at a time."

"Did you get an opportunity to see them?"

"Yes. And I don't believe she doesn't know. It was there in
every single photograph."

Esmeralda blew out a breath. "Today should be interesting."

"I know Turq and Opal weren't looking forward to it. Ame
apparently warned them Charisma was being a bitch on wheels."
Amber nodded at Es' raised eyebrows. "She was - yelling,
impatient, frustrated... if I hadn't known better I'd have thought
she was upset because Kent was leaving."

"Are you sure she wasn't?"

The look Amber gave Saphira could have cut diamonds. "I'm sure.
For the most part, she completely ignored him, except to wish him
well and say goodbye. If she was upset with him, she wouldn't have
bothered to speak to him at all - or she would have focused her
anger in his direction." She shook her head. "It's hard to
explain if you haven't guided humans as long as I have; you kind of
get to know how your charges think after a while. And while all
humans are individuals and I will never claim to understand them,
they still have a lot of traits in common with us. So it makes it
a little easier to relate to their actions as well as their
reactions."

Esmeralda chanced a look at the clock. "You should get some
sleep, Amber. If today is as much fun as I expect it to be, your
night will probably be another long one."

Amber blew out a breath and nodded her head wearily.
"Probably." She rose and took her plate to the sink. "I'm glad
you're feeling better, Little One," leaning down and brushing a
kiss over Esmeralda's forehead. "Leave the dishes. I'll do them
when I get up. Goodnight, guys."

"Goodnight, Amber," they replied together, watching her
disappear into her room. Then they turned to one another. Saphira
took her plate and Esmeralda's to the sink and extended her
hand.

"C'mon, Angel mine. We've got to get to work."

"And you still have to share your epiphany with me."

Saphira nodded. It was time.

************

"The picture that had Charisma so mesmerized last night - the
one of her and Brianna," waiting for Es to nod her head before
continuing. "It brought home so many truths to me. I know I told
you that even He couldn't have kept us apart... and I meant that,
Es. I meant that with my whole heart, even before...." She blew
out a breath and clasped Esmeralda's hand tighter in her own. "I
saw what this separation has done to Charisma to the smallest
extent and it's by her choice! I can't fathom... I won't let that
happen to us, Es. I can't. I wouldn't survive it!"

Esmeralda pulled them to a stop, heedless of the odd looks and
stares they garnered. She brought her free hand to cup Saphira's
face, gratified when she immediately leaned into the touch.
"Neither would I, love. And He knows that."

"Why would she choose this, Es? Why would she deliberately turn
her back on happiness?"

"I can't answer that, Phira - not yet. I'm not sure she
remembers what happiness feels like any more. She's content in her
life... or she was until yesterday."

Saphira shook her head. "This is my stop. I'll see you
tonight?"

Esmeralda grinned. "Don't you always? Have a good day."

"You too, Sweetheart. Love you."

"Love you more," Es quipped just as the Metro door closed
between them. She laughed at the face Saphira made at her before
the train pulled away headed to its next stop. Then Es took a deep
breath to center herself. It was shaping up to be a hell of a
day.

************

Esmeralda entered the building and waited her turn to step
through the security. When she reached the metal detector, Derek
greeted her. "Hey, Es. Glad it's Friday?"

She gave the security agent a smile. "Always, Derek. Aren't
you?"

He looked around conspiratorially. "Yeah, but especially today.
Word has it Tagherty is on the warpath." Esmeralda's eyes
widened. That's not good. Derek nodded his head at her unspoken
thought. "Just watch yourself, Es."

She nodded. "You know it. Say hi to Doc Janie for me."

"You betcha. She expects to see you next week, you know."

"I know. I've got an appointment."

"Make sure you keep it," he warned with a smile. "You know
we'll both hear about it if you don't."

"Worse," Es countered with a grin. "She'll sic Saphira on
me."

"True. Here comes your boss - have a good night."

"You too," she replied as she walked away from security to be
intercepted by Rick. She noted the frown on his face. "Something
wrong, Rick?"

He pinched his lower lip even as he accompanied Esmeralda to the
supply closet that held her cleaning cart. He observed her
checking everything, making sure she was fully stocked before
starting her cleaning rounds. When she realized Rick still hadn't
responded, she faced him, arching an eyebrow and putting her hands
on her hips.

"Rick?"

"Senator Tagherty is in quite a mood. Just watch yourself, huh?
I'd hate to see anything happen to you."

Esmeralda nodded. "I will. Who knows... maybe she'll be gone
by the time I get to her office."

"We'll hope so. You call me if you have any problems, all
right?"

"I will, Rick... thanks."

Rick gave Esmeralda a nod, then left her to start her rounds.
She wondered what Charisma had done to warrant her being warned not
once, but twice about her mood. She hoped she'd get a chance to
talk to someone on the team assigned to Charisma before she reached
the Senator's office.

************

Opal stepped from the office the second she heard Esmeralda walk
by the door. At the moment she was thankful for the respite she'd
been given, as she had been the main target of every outburst
Charisma'd had since she'd walked into the office that morning. It
was just as well, she reasoned - the few non-angel personnel
Charisma had working for her would have long quit had they been
subjected to her ire that day.

"Es?" Esmeralda stopped and turned back to Opal, eyes widening
at her weary countenance. She hurried back and put a concerned arm
around her shoulders, smiling sadly when Opal tucked her head into
her neck and sighed in exhaustion.

"You okay, Opal? You look...."

"I am," Opal nodded and confessed at the same time. "Been a
long, LONG day," she added for emphasis. "I've spent the entire
day running interference for everyone to ensure that Charisma still
has a staff tomorrow."

"Feel a little black and blue?" Opal nodded, then stiffened
when she heard the clearing of a throat behind her.

"Opal, is there a reason you're standing out in the hall instead
of taking care of your work? I'm sure I can find someone who would
be thrilled to be promoted to your position if you feel you can no
longer handle your responsibilities with timeliness."

Opal sagged briefly in Esmeralda's arms at the cutting words and
tone before she straightened and put a bit of space between them.
"No, Senator Tagherty. I'll get back to it." She risked a glance
at Esmeralda. "Thank you, Es," her words pulling a surprised
reaction from Charisma. Esmeralda smiled gently.

"Anytime, my friend," she assured before Opal disappeared back
into the office. Charisma remained where she was, her blue eyes
studying Esmeralda carefully.

"Is there anyone you can't make friends with, Esmeralda?"
letting her eyes roam around the hall and briefly rest on Brianna's
door before returning to meet Esmeralda's green ones squarely.

"I've found that one can never have too many friends,
Senator."

Charisma's eyes shuttered and she bit her lip thoughtfully
before nodding briskly. "I suppose you're right. If you'll excuse
me...." her tone almost cold. Charisma winced when she saw the
hurt flash across Esmeralda's face before she could school her
expression into a polite mask.

"Of course, Senator Tagherty. I have work that needs tending.
Have a good evening, Senator." Esmeralda gave a respectful nod of
her head and moved her cart towards the far end of the hall to
begin her cleaning. Charisma chewed on her inner lip a moment
longer.

"Esmeralda?" Es turned at the first syllable of her name being
called down the hall.

"Yes, Senator?"

"Will you be by later?"

"Of course, Senator - it is part of my responsibility to take
care of your office suite."

Charisma nodded, not sure what to say at this point - anger and
hurt warring in her expression. Then without another word, she
went back into her office and closed the door. Esmeralda shook her
head and got to work.

************

"Senator Walker?" Esmeralda called out as she knocked on the
door - just as she always did before entering an office. Then she
used her passkey and stuck her head in the door, only to instantly
recognize that Brianna's office was empty of her presence. Es
walked further into the room, pushing her cart ahead of her and
idly wondering if this was going to be the way of things for the
next two years - with the two of them doing everything they could
to avoid one another. She blew out a frustrated breath and took a
good look around.

Clearly her words from the previous day had made an impact on
Brianna; nothing was out of place. All the boxes had been emptied
and the things in them put away neatly in their designated spot in
the office. The boxes had been flattened and marked for recycling
beside a mostly empty trash can. Otherwise, there was little out
of place in the room.

Knowing Brianna was more than likely gone for the day, Esmeralda
set to work. She still had plenty to do before she could meet
Saphira at the diner.

************

Esmeralda knocked lightly on the door of Senator Tagherty's
office, fairly confident Charisma was waiting inside. "Senator
Tagherty?" She got no answer, so Es pushed her cart in and stepped
into the office behind it. She saw Charisma sitting at her desk in
the dark, but ignored her, knowing it was up to Charisma to make
the next move. It didn't take long.

"You know, don't you?" she asked softly, though her tone was
cutting.

Esmeralda, having been engrossed on keeping her attention on her
work, started slightly before she looked up at Charisma. A look of
confusion crossed her face. "Senator?" watching hurt flash in blue
eyes. "Charisma?"

Esmeralda set down the spray bottle she'd been filling and
padded to the desk, extending her hand to Charisma. Charisma
looked at her in confusion and Esmeralda cocked an eyebrow, then
jerked her head towards the couch. Charisma couldn't help the
smile that twitched her lips and she took Esmeralda's hand with
alacrity, allowing the other woman to tug her to her feet and lead
her to the sofa. They plopped onto opposite ends of the cushions
and Esmeralda reached for the light, only to be stopped by
Charisma's voice.

"Leave it off... please?"

"Do you find the darkness comforting, Charisma?"

"Sometimes it seems like my only friend."

"Can I help?"

"I don't think so, Es," Charisma replied resignedly. "No one
can help. I need to work through this on my own."

"NO!" Charisma lashed out. "No!" she said again a little
quieter, but no less forcefully. "I will not be subjected to
meeting with her outside of an occupational venue! I may be forced
to deal with her professionally, but otherwise, I will tolerate no
interaction with her! Do you understand me??"

"Charisma...."

"No, Esmeralda! Do. You. Understand. Me?"

Esmeralda rose and nodded her head sadly, her eyes never leaving
Charisma's even in the darkness. "I understand, Charisma, more
than you know... even if I don't understand why." She moved back
over to her cart. "I do know one thing," she added as she picked
up her spray bottle again.

"What's that, Es?" Charisma asked, her voice tired and
defeated.

"You will never find peace or happiness until you settle things
with Brianna."

"Things were settled with Brianna Walker twenty years ago,
Esmeralda... when she walked out of my life without even saying
goodbye!"

"And you never made an effort to find out why, did you? Doesn't
that make you equally culpable?"

Charisma's blue eyes hardened and iced over. "Get. Out."

Esmeralda sucked in a sharp breath, but otherwise gave no
outward reaction to the bite in Charisma's words. Instead, she put
her things away without further acknowledgment and headed to the
door. She placed a hand on the doorknob, then turned back to
Charisma.

"One day - maybe sooner, maybe later - you're going to have to
face one another. Whether that happens publicly or privately is
entirely up to the two of you, but it will happen, Charisma. It's
only a matter of when and where." Esmeralda sighed. "I hope... I
had hoped you would let me help be a part of your reconciliation,
but you obviously have no intention...." She trailed off and
shrugged. "You've made it clear it's not my business. However,
Saphira is and she would still like to meet you if you're still
willing. So if you can let me know when would be a good time for
you, we'll arrange something soon." She held up a hand. "And I
promise, no funny business. Goodnight, Senator."

Esmeralda was out the door with it closed behind her before
Charisma had a chance to recover her wits. She blinked and the
tears rolled silently down her face. It was a long time before
Charisma called for her car to take her home.

Chapter XVI

"Brianna?" Saphira welcomed hesitantly as the Senator crossed
the threshold of the diner, not having expected to see the woman
here alone at this time of day. "Please, come in," she added a
little more firmly, seeing the uncertainty in Brianna's expression
morph into something less frightened and more sure of herself. She
gave Saphira a big smile and glanced around the busy restaurant,
then back at Saphira who took the opportunity to ask, "Would you
like a table, booth or a seat at the counter?"

"I'd like a seat at the counter," Brianna replied softly, "if
you will be the one waiting on me."

Saphira smiled graciously while wondering what had sent Brianna
running from Esmeralda to her. She nodded her head. "I'm sure we
can work something out to make that possible. C'mon," leading her
around the counter to the far side. It was quieter here and
Saphira suspected Brianna had come looking for sanctuary. Saphira
went around to the back of the counter and poured Brianna a glass
of ice water and placed that and a menu in front of her. "Here,"
she offered. "You take a look at this while I go take care of
those folks," motioning to a nearby table. "All right? Then I'll
be right back."

Brianna looked around again cautiously, realizing it was
probably the dinner hour rush at the diner. Not wanting to cause
Saphira to lose tips on her account, she nodded firmly.
"Absolutely. As long as you don't mind me hanging around for a
while, I'm great."

Saphira awkwardly patted her hand. "You're welcome to stay as
long as you need to, Brianna. Look over the menu and I'll be back
in a few."

"Thanks, Saphira." Then Brianna watched as Saphira melted away
to take care of her other customers.

A few minutes later, Saphira returned to where Brianna was
sitting. She arched an eyebrow in question, causing Brianna to
blush and chuckle simultaneously. "I'm sorry," Brianna said with
only a hint of the embarrassment currently flooding her fair
complexion. "I never realized...." Her voice trailed off
thoughtfully and her expression sobered before her head dropped.
"Doesn't matter now, I guess."

Saphira worried her lip between her teeth, contemplating her
options. This was actually Esmeralda's field of expertise and
Saphira felt like a fish out of water. Still, she was an angel and
there was a part of her that knew only too well how Brianna felt,
having faced the possibility of losing Esmeralda for the rest of
their immortal lifetimes. It wasn't something she'd wish on her
worst enemy and as an Angel of Retribution, that was saying a lot.
The fact that this woman had chosen this path, thinking it was the
right thing to do for the woman she loved more than anything simply
made it worse.

Saphira took a deep breath and cupped Brianna's chin gently but
firmly in her hand. She urged Brianna's face up, then stroked her
jaw line, causing Brianna's eyes to fly open and meet her blue ones
in startlement. "It does matter, Brianna Walker. It matters more
than anything else in the world."

"How do you...?" Then Brianna sucked in a pained breath, seeing
the depth of agony and sorrow Saphira was allowing her to witness.
Brianna clasped the hand that still tenderly held her face and
brought it down to the counter between them, covering it with her
other hand. "You really do understand, don't you? You
know...."

"All too well, Brianna."

A crashing sound brought them out of their private reverie and
Saphira straightened, though she did not pull away from Brianna's
hold. Brianna, however, appreciating that Saphira was still at
work, released her hold and made a weak shooing motion.

"Go on," she encouraged. "I know you've got more important
things to do than to mollycoddle me."

Saphira met Brianna's eyes fiercely and Brianna froze. "There
is nothing more important than this," she replied softly, putting a
hand over her own heart. "But if you want to talk privately, I do
need to finish up here first and get folks on their way."

Brianna patted the hand that remained on the counter. "No one
understands better than I do that responsibilities have to come
first. Go on," she said again. "I'm not going anywhere."

Saphira gave her a long look, then nodded. "I'll be back. You
be deciding what you're gonna want to eat in the meantime, all
right?"

"Deal."

Brianna watched as Saphira wove in and out of tables, expertly
taking orders, refilling glasses and bringing plates as fast as Joe
called out, 'order up'. In a very brief amount of time, Saphira
had been to every table and was back in front of her.

"You know what you want yet?" asked with a smile. Brianna
smiled in response.

"Yep. I think I'll have the blue plate special."

"Great choice; lemme go put it in. It shouldn't take but a few
minutes. That's been real popular today. You want something else
to drink?"

"No, thanks - I'm good with water right now."

Saphira nodded. "All right. I'll be back."

Saphira stopped at the window and placed Brianna's order with
Joe, then headed out around the corner to check on the other tables
again. Just before she headed back to Brianna, Jade and Coral
stepped into the diner. Her eyebrow arched, but she allowed them
to seat themselves. She wasn't surprised when they took a booth
near the door that allowed them ample sight of the entire room, but
particularly Brianna. Saphira scooped up two menus and headed over
to them.

"Ladies," she greeted. "This is an unexpected pleasure," the
question in her tone clear.

"Es called us as soon as she discovered Brianna wasn't in her
office. A call to Jas confirmed that Brianna came here before she
dismissed Jas for the evening, so we came right over."

"Is she supposed to see you, Cor? I thought part of your
protection was the fact that charges never see their
guardians."

"She can't see me, Phira... only you and Jade can. We just
didn't want to risk losing her, and if she hadn't been here when we
arrived, we'd have split up again. Now that we know she's here,
Jade will stay until she's ready to go. I'll take over once she
leaves."

Saphira nodded. "Go back to the house and get some rest and
something to eat. She's gonna be here a while."

Coral frowned at her. "You're sure?"

Saphira scowled. "She came here to talk and I have at least
another four hours to work. Yes... I'm sure. Besides, I'd never
do anything to put this mission in danger - it's too important to
them and too important to Es."

"And Him?"

"I'm not as concerned about Him as I am Esmeralda and them,"
Saphira answered honestly.

"Still a little residual anger, Saphira?"

"Drop it, Coral. You really don't want to start something with
me that you can't possibly win and have little hope of even
finishing."

Coral met Saphira's eyes, squelching a flinch at the raw emotion
that was focused her way. She nodded her acceptance and rose,
patting Saphira lightly on the shoulder as a form of muted apology.
Saphira jerked her head once roughly in acceptance, keeping her
eyes on Jade to keep up the pretense that she was alone at the
table.

"Look over the menu, Jade," she instructed. "I'll be right
back."

Joe called out order up just as Saphira passed his window, and
she snatched the plate from the ledge and gracefully set it in
front of Brianna. Then she refilled her water and raised her
brows. "Anything else I can get for you right now, Brianna?"

Brianna looked over her loaded plate and then at the condiments
that were within easy reach. She shook her head. "I'm good;
thanks, Saphira."

"Anytime, my friend. Enjoy." Brianna put a cautious hand on
Saphira's arm when she went to move away from the counter once more
and Saphira tilted her head in question. "Brianna?"

"Seriously... thank you, Saphira. Do you... when do you expect
Esmeralda?"

"Same time as always... a little after midnight."

Brianna blew out an impatient breath. "Do you...?" She cleared
her throat and started again. "Would you and Joe mind if I waited
here for her with you? I'd really... I'd like to talk to both of
you alone."

"I told you, Brianna - you're welcome to stay here as long as
you need to."

Brianna smiled tremulously and released her hold, her eyes
watering this time though she didn't allow them to fall. Saphira
nodded and turned away, praying for Esmeralda to hurry with her own
work and get to the diner quickly. She didn't want to handle this
alone.

Then she headed out to make another round of the tables, hoping
beyond hope her prayer would be answered.

************

Esmeralda blew out a shaky breath as she returned her cart to
its closet and donned her coat prior to going outside. She was
headed towards the security exit when a hail made her pause and
turn. She waited, knowing Rick was probably more concerned than
upset - a state confirmed by his expression when he got closer.
She tilted her head at him and offered him a tired smile.

"Everything all right, Es?" he queried, though the air around
him lightened considerably as he returned her smile measure for
measure. "It's earlier than usual for you... especially a Friday
night."

"I know. But Senator Walker left very little for me to clean
and Senator Tagherty dismissed me before I could even get started.
Don't be surprised if she requests a new custodian."

"No, Rick. I'm happy where I am and I like the people I take
care of. But I might have over-stepped myself with her tonight.
So she may ask you for a change."

"And if she does?"

Esmeralda shrugged tiredly. "You do what you need to,
Rick."

Rick snorted. "In that case, you're staying put."

Esmeralda smiled and she patted his arm. "Thanks, Rick. I'm
gonna cut out early tonight. I'll see you on Monday?"

"You betcha, Es. You be careful going home, all right?"

"Always," she promised and headed towards the door. At least,
she comforted herself, she'd get to spend a little more time with
Saphira, acknowledging how much she'd missed that since beginning
this current assignment where they were together for little more
than sleeping most of the time. First, though, she needed to give
Amber a quick update, angling herself to the bathroom. It would be
where Amber would materialize when she arrived. And frankly,
though no one would be able to see Amber, Esmeralda preferred to
keep their conversation private. This was the best way to do that
in a Senate office building. Besides, she didn't need an audience
to witness what looked like her talking to herself - no need to
give Rick a reason to fire her for insanity, she thought wryly as
she opened the door.

************

"What's up, Little One?" Amber asked as Esmeralda entered, then
yawned widely. She stretched and looked around, furrowing her brow
as she realized where she'd been summoned. "Um... Es?"

"Sorry, Amber. This was the best I could do on short notice.
Charisma threw me out of her office a few minutes ago, so I wanted
you to be with her. I know this cuts your sleep short...." Amber
waving her hand cut off Esmeralda's apology.

"I don't think she knows she is - remember, she's been content
in her life up to now. She's trying to hold onto the status quo
she's known and been comforted by for twenty years. And since it's
worked for her up to now...." letting her thought trail off.

"You've been thinking about this."

"Yeah. I was putting together what I've seen from her, what I
know about human behavior in general and the things you said this
morning. She'll come around."

"Let's hope for sooner rather than later."

Amber wrapped an arm around Esmeralda's shoulders and guided her
towards the door. "Go on - go see Saphira. I'll be watching
Charisma."

Esmeralda rested her forehead on Amber's shoulder. "What would
I do without you, Amber?"

Amber brushed a kiss over the blonde hair tucked beneath her
chin. "Let's make a deal never to find out, all right?" Esmeralda
nodded. "Good. Now go see your girl and let me get to work. I'll
let you know if anything comes up."

"Have I ever told you how glad I am you're my big sister?" Amber
snorted and gave Esmeralda a noogie to alleviate some of the
emotion she felt welling up inside her. "Hey!" Esmeralda
protested, straightening and patting her hair back into some
semblance of order.

"Send me a Hallmark card," Amber snarked. "Now get out of here
and let me get to work," pushing Esmeralda out of the bathroom.

"Thanks, Amber," Esmeralda whispered.

"Anytime, Little One." Then Esmeralda closed the door and
turned her steps towards Derek and the security outpost. She
needed to see Saphira.

************

Jade had eaten quickly and left the diner, though she remained
outside in her non-corporeal, angel form in case she was needed.
So the diner was relatively empty when Saphira noticed Esmeralda
approaching. She glanced at the clock with a frown, then turned to
Joe who had also noticed Esmeralda's arrival. He shrugged and
motioned Saphira to the door.

Saphira had a brief thought to send up a prayer of thanks for
Esmeralda's unexpectedly early arrival before she crossed to the
door and exited the diner. She noted Jade and Esmeralda in
conference and took her time reaching them. Jade smiled and nodded
before disappearing from their gaze, headed, presumably for the
house to get some rest.

Esmeralda turned as Saphira drew closer and held out her hand.
Saphira took it and pulled Esmeralda to her. "Everything all
right, Sweetheart?"

"Rough night," she replied shortly. "I'll tell you about it
later," blowing her bangs out of her eyes. "Brianna's inside?"

"Yeah - she got here about ten minutes ahead of Jade and Coral,"
noting the widening of Esmeralda's eyes. "Coral remained invisible
to her and I sent her back to the house to get some rest. Jade ate
and came out here to keep an eye on things in case Brianna decided
to leave before you got here and before I got off. However, she
wanted to talk to both of us, so she's sitting at the counter just
waiting."

"Tell me she's at least eaten something."

Saphira grinned. "Not to worry, my love. Whatever she wants to
talk to us about doesn't seem to be adversely affecting her
appetite." She paused. "How are you?" noting the residual sadness
in green eyes.

"I'll be all right," Esmeralda promised. "C'mon," she invited,
looping her arm through Saphira's and tugging them gently forward
towards the diner door. "Let's go find out what our other charge
has to say. Maybe she'll be more willing to move things along than
her counterpart seems to be," growling low in her throat. Saphira
chuckled.

"You about ready to try things my way, Es?" asked teasingly.

"Don't tempt me, Phira. That much stupid should be painful,"
her reply abrupt and sharp.

Saphira pulled them to a halt and took Esmeralda in her embrace
again, waiting for green eyes to track to hers. "You sure you're
all right, Es?" knowing the response was unusual.

Saphira gave into the tugging, knowing they would revisit the
subject again once they were alone. Then they entered the diner
together and their attention focused on Senator Brianna Walker.

Chapter XVII

"Well, Senator Walker," Esmeralda greeted in a teasing tone. "I
guess I know now why you snuck out of the Senate building so
early," smiling and motioning to the slab of chocolate cake and
glass of milk Joe had just placed in front of Brianna. Brianna
picked up her fork and returned the smile briefly before turning
her attention to the cake to concentrate on cutting off her first
bite.

"You know it, Es," she joked lightly, just holding back a moan
when the rich chocolate hit her tongue. "I heard it calling my
name."

"Wow, Brianna!" tilting her head left and right before meeting
green eyes with a hint of a twinkle in her own. "You should hire
out to be a spy or something. With hearing like that...." letting
the thought trail off when Brianna snorted and nearly ended up with
cake up her nose. Esmeralda chuckled at the glare Brianna bestowed
on her.

"That wasn't very nice," Brianna commented, carefully cleaning
the chocolate icing from her fork before wiping her lips and taking
a large swallow of milk. Esmeralda waited until she put the milk
back down in front of her, then grinned cheekily at her.

"Maybe not," she agreed, "but it sure was funny."

Brianna chuckled and shook her head. "Not if I'd had to explain
that to an Emergency Room doctor."

"We're well-versed in CPR," Saphira assured her. "Not a
problem," locking the door and flipping the closed sign around
before dropping the shade into place.

"Is it wrong that I don't find that particularly comforting at
the moment?"

"Nope," Esmeralda assured her as she took the seat next to her
even while Saphira went around the backside of the counter and
started pouring up three glasses of milk. "I wouldn't want to
explain the presence of chocolate cake in my nasal passages either.
And imagine the stir that would make in the press." Brianna just
groaned and dropped her head onto the counter, careful to miss her
plate.

"That would be humiliating," came the muted words from
Brianna.

"And embarrassing," Esmeralda concurred. She accepted the plate
of food Saphira placed in front of her with a smile, immediately
shifting half of it onto Saphira's empty plate. Saphira mumbled a
'thank you' and picked up her fork, perfectly willing to let
Esmeralda continue to lead the conversation with Brianna.
Esmeralda took a bite of her pot roast, chewing slowly and holding
up her thumbs to Joe who grinned at her assessment. She swallowed
carefully and turned back to Brianna who was decimating her slice
of cake bite by slow bite.

"So Brianna Walker," the address garnering Brianna's attention
faster than almost anything else would have. "What brings you to
our humble establishment, so to speak?" giving Joe another grin
when he popped up in the kitchen window. He winked then returned
his attention back to his food.

"Guess you wouldn't buy that I came by for the chocolate cake,
huh?" Esmeralda cocked an eyebrow, knowing without looking that
Saphira had done the same. "Yeah, I didn't think you would,"
Brianna confessed. "I just felt the need for a couple friendly
faces."

Brianna shook her head. "Not really... I mean, not what you'd
probably consider rough. I spent the day putting my stuff away and
reading the bills and policies I'm going to be making decisions on
soon." She gave them each a wry look. "Do you know the money the
government could save just by joining the electronic age and doing
away with paper?"

"Yeah," Joe spoke up unexpectedly. "We'd be out of debt."

Brianna laughed and Saphira and Esmeralda joined in. "Not
quite, but it would be pretty close." A beat. "Maybe I should
suggest that."

"Someone certainly should - better for the nation; better for
the planet."

"Hmm," Brianna commented, letting the thought roll around in her
mind for a few moments before shaking her head to clear it.
"Anyway, I guess I was pretty engrossed in my reading, because when
I looked up, it was getting dark and my stomach was complaining
fiercely over the lack of sustenance I had provided it today. So I
had my driver bring me over. I figured I'd find good food and good
company. I was right."

"Well, we're glad you came to us when you needed a friend,
Brianna," Esmeralda said placidly, placing a hand on Saphira's leg
before Saphira could make a comment. "Is there something we can do
to make things easier?" noting a haunting sadness she recognized in
the green eyes that met her own.

"You've already done so much," Brianna confessed, "just by
making a place for me at your table, so to speak," gesturing around
the otherwise empty diner.

Brianna sighed. "I'm not sure I know. I just… I couldn't
stand being cooped up in that office for another minute. And this
is probably one of the safest places I have ever known," hoping
they would understand what she was saying.

Esmeralda and Saphira exchanged stares for a long moment before
Esmeralda turned back to Brianna with a smile. "We're glad you
think so," patting Brianna's hand. "Did you see Charisma today?"
going right to the heart of the matter when she realized Brianna
wasn't going to bring it up.

Anger flared in Brianna's eyes for a brief moment, then she
visibly deflated, slumping back into her seat. "How do you do
that?"

Esmeralda smiled gently. "It's a gift."

Brianna returned the smile sadly. "And your hobby as a student
of human nature." Her smile became a little more genuine. "See...
I *was* actually paying attention. I think it's the reason that,
despite your warning to the contrary, I am still inclined to trust
you."

"Why?"

Brianna shrugged. "I can't explain any more than that - it's
just a gut feeling."

Esmeralda swallowed the last of her milk and spared Saphira a
grateful smile when she removed her empty plate from in front of
her so smoothly it didn't disrupt the atmosphere of confidentiality
Esmeralda had created between herself and Brianna.

"And do you trust your gut, Brianna? Despite my warning, are
you willing to risk it?"

Brianna held Esmeralda's gaze for a long moment before nodding
slowly. "Yes," she finally decided aloud. "I have to."

"Tell me about your day, Brianna."

"I already did," Brianna frowned.

"Tell me about your day."

"What do you want from me, Esmeralda??" Brianna hissed as she
jumped from the stool she'd been perched on. "Hmm??" leaning down
into Esmeralda's personal space, surprised when the other woman
made no movement to get away from her. "What the hell do you want
from me?" she added in a defeated whisper.

Esmeralda caught Brianna's hand and guided her back to the chair
she'd spent the evening in. "Brianna, I... *we*... don't want
anything from you. This isn't about us; this is about you. If you
trust me, you need to trust me with this - tell me about your
day."

"It was like I told you. I really did spend most of my day
unpacking as I'm sure you saw," smiling when Esmeralda nodded. "In
fairness, it was necessary if only so I could begin my real work
here in an organized space where I could find what I needed. I'm a
little anal that way," Brianna confided. Saphira snickered,
causing both blond heads to turn in her direction.

"You don't need to explain that compunction," Saphira offered
with a smile. "You're talking to someone who cleans and organizes
for a living." Esmeralda ducked her head to acknowledge the truth
of Saphira's words.

"She has a point," Esmeralda agreed. "Of course, it takes one
to know one in this case," she added.

Brianna chuckled. "When I grow up, I want to be just like you
two." She sobered and took a deep breath. "In truth, finishing my
unpacking and setting up my workspace was as much for my peace of
mind as it was something to keep me from having to leave my office
yesterday. Aside from having promised you the chance to moderate
between us, I just.... Charisma was on the warpath from the moment
she stepped foot into the building this morning - enough so that
security sent us a warning to steer clear of her." She sighed and
shook her head. "I knew when I accepted this appointment that it
wasn't going to be easy - I did walk away from my best friend
without a word of explanation and for someone as passionate as
Charisma Tagherty has always been, there still has to be a lot of
hurt and anger over that. I just... I never expected it to spill
over onto the rest of the world like it did today."

"And you weren't ready to be her main target yet," Esmeralda
stated with compassion.

Brianna looked at Esmeralda frankly. "I saw the expression on
your face when you walked in here tonight, so I don't even need to
answer that question, do I?" She blew out a deep breath. "Sorry -
I know it makes me a coward. I just don't know how not to be...
not in this. Twenty years of habit is hard to break."

"Does this mean you're going to keep running for the next couple
years? Are you gonna play hide and seek to keep from interacting
with Charisma on more than a professional level?" Esmeralda asked
pointedly, though there was compassion in her gaze. Brianna
studied her briefly before letting her eyes drop back down to the
counter.

"It means, short of quitting, I'm going to do whatever it takes
to get through the next two years." She paused. "What I would
like to do is to rewind time... to go back to that airport in
Barcelona and tell Charisma the truth. Then at least it would have
been her choice... her decision to leave, and I wouldn't have to
deal with all the backlash now." She looked up and blinked the
tears from her eyes before turning to face Esmeralda again.
"However, until good ol' Doc Brown builds that DeLorean time
machine, complete with flux capacitor, I'm stuck living with the
consequences of my actions. And if that means avoiding situations
that put Charisma and I in the same sphere, then so be it. Because
I know she refused your request."

Esmeralda cocked an eyebrow. "How do you know?"

Brianna's look was wry. "Because I'm a student of human nature
too. And I heard her laying down the law to her staff... in no
uncertain terms."

"And it hurt."

"More than I ever thought possible." Brianna sighed. "I
thought I had put this behind me twenty years ago."

"You may have put it behind you, Brianna, but you never worked
through it... never dealt with it. So now you have to deal with it
and with Charisma's reaction to it." Esmeralda hesitated a moment,
biting her lip in thought before nodding her head as though she had
reached a decision. "I'm going to share something with you -
something I've learned from experience over the years."

Brianna looked at her skeptically. Esmeralda didn't appear to
be as old as Brianna herself, much less old enough to refer to her
'experience over the years'. A hard glance made her pause - there
was an agelessness in Esmeralda's eyes - as though she had seen and
lived lifetimes - and Brianna chanced to wonder just how old her
friend really was. "Please," was all she said aloud.

"You commented yourself on Charisma's passionate nature,"
waiting for Brianna to nod her agreement. "That passion has to be
focused somewhere. Right now, it is focused on the anger and
betrayal she feels in regards to you. It's easy and it's familiar.
And as long as you were outside her circle, it was easy to
maintain. Eventually, though, it's going to have to come to a head
- simply because you're close enough to confront."

"So you're saying...?"

"I'm saying a confrontation is going to happen. You need to
decide how you're going to deal with it."

Brianna sat silently, waiting for Esmeralda to continue. When
she didn't, Brianna sighed with exasperation. "That's it?? That's
all you've got for me??"

Esmeralda squeezed the hands she still covered. "What would you
like me to tell you, Brianna?"

"I would like you to tell me how to make this situation better.
Or how to make it go away completely. Give me something...
anything...."

"I can't solve this problem for you, Brianna. Only you can make
those decisions."

"What would you do, Esmeralda? What did you do?"

"My situation was a little different than yours was,
Brianna."

"How so?"

"Because I made the decision that could have cost us
everything," Saphira said before Esmeralda could respond. "I chose
to seek vengeance where it was felt vengeance wasn't warranted, and
it nearly cost me... cost us... everything."

"I don't understand." Saphira parted her lips to speak again,
but the minutest shake of Esmeralda's blonde head caused her to
clamp her lips together and move away from them again without
another word. Brianna turned back to meet Esmeralda's eyes. "Did
I say something wrong?"

"Not at all, Brianna. It's just something that is very painful
and very private and I won't put Saphira through that pain again.
I can't... not even for you."

"Will you tell me what happened then?"

Esmeralda held Brianna's eyes. "Tell me, Brianna... do you
regret having confided in me?"

Brianna opened her mouth to speak, then stopped short, giving
serious contemplation to Esmeralda's words. "No," she said
finally. "I actually feel... better... lighter. Like sharing with
you made my burden less than it had been before." She bit her lip
thoughtfully. "I never realized how it felt... carrying that
around for so long. It's been such a part of me."

"And now?"

"Now? It's still there but not as great."

"So you still feel confident in trusting me?"

"Yes... absolutely."

"Then I am asking you to trust me again... right now. I will
share with you what happened to Saphira and me one day, but not now
and not when Saphira is around to hear the story."

At this, Esmeralda smiled. "Of that I am sure, Brianna Walker.
I trust my gut too," earning her the smile she was looking for. "I
was trying to figure out the best way to put it because it doesn't
put me in a very good light. You see, I did nothing."

"Excuse me?"

"I did nothing," Esmeralda repeated, her head hung down in
shame. "The reason Saphira takes all the responsibility for what
happened is because she was the stronger of us. She did what had
to be done to keep us together."

Saphira glared at Brianna before taking Esmeralda in her arms
from behind. Esmeralda didn't start, though she didn't see
Saphira's approach. Instead, she leaned back into the warm comfort
of the strong body behind her.

"What she's not telling you is that she was dying, and not
really in a position to do much of anything except get well," the
tears in her fierce eyes not betrayed by the strength in her
voice.

Brianna covered her mouth with one hand while squeezing
Esmeralda's with her other. "Oh God... I'm so sorry. This must
make my situation look petty and selfish."

Her words brought Esmeralda's head up and green eyes bore into
her own. "Never belittle something as important as this,"
Esmeralda instructed in her firmest tone. "We don't... not for
anyone."

"So what should I do?"

"Well, that really depends on you, Brianna. What do you want to
do?"

"What are my options?"

Saphira groaned. "Lawyers!" she grumbled, then with another
light squeeze of Esmeralda's belly, she moved away from them once
more to do a last check of everything so they could head for home
as soon as Brianna and Esmeralda were done talking. A flash of
lights caught her attention and she moved to the windows that
overlooked the parking lot.

"As I see it, you've basically got two," Esmeralda said in
response to Brianna's query. "Those two can be broken down further
once you decide which route to go, but you start with two."

"Let me guess - either Mohammed goes to the mountain...."

"... or the mountain goes to Mohammed... uh huh."

"Guess I need to decide whether or not I want to be Mohammed or
the mountain then."

"You better decide pretty quick," Saphira announced as she
turned away from the window she had been looking out. She glanced
at Brianna before facing Esmeralda head on. "Senator Tagherty's
limo just pulled up in the parking lot."

Chapter XVIII

After a time, Charisma wiped the tears from her face. She drew
a deep breath and blew it out slowly before standing. In the
darkness, she made her way to the fully furnished bathroom,
flinching when she flipped the light on. Charisma blinked
furiously, dropping her chin to her chest and focusing on the edge
of the sink until her eyes adjusted to the light. Only then did
she let her eyes rise to the mirror.

Red-rimmed blue eyes stared back at her and Charisma bit her lip
hard to keep the tears from starting again. Instead, she slipped
her jacket from her body and hung it on the hook at the back of the
door. She rolled her sleeves to her elbows and plugged the sink,
then started the cold water running.

Charisma considered simply plunging her head in face first,
knowing that would cool the fever she felt burning in her face and
eyes. However, aware that she drew attention whenever she was in
the public eye, Charisma settled for grabbing a clean washcloth out
of the small, well-stocked linen closet. She tossed it into the
sink and grabbed a towel, setting it beside the sink. Then she
snatched up the washcloth, wrung the excess water from it, and
started patting down her face.

It took a while, but eventually, the burning cooled and Charisma
could feel the swelling in her eyes decreasing enough that she
looked in the mirror again. She gave herself a wry smile.

She fixed her hair and rolled her sleeves down, shrugging at her
reflection before sliding on her coat once more. Charisma shut off
the lights, then stood in the doorway a moment as her eyes adjusted
back to the darkness of her office. She crossed to her desk and
removed her purse, then lifted the phone to call for her
driver.

Turq pulled around and waited, opening the door as soon as
Charisma stepped from the building. She closed it carefully, then
slid behind the wheel, putting it in drive and waiting for Charisma
to give her a destination. When Charisma didn't say anything, Turq
prompted, "Home, Senator?"

Charisma pulled her eyes from the window and turned her
attention outward once more. "I'm sorry, Turq - what?"

"Where are we headed, Senator?"

Despite her earlier resolve, Charisma found herself faltering.
She bit her lip a moment, then met Turq's blue eyes in the rearview
mirror. "Do you know of a place called Angel's Diner?"

"I've heard of it, Senator. I'm not certain it's open at this
time of night, though."

"Take me there," Charisma commanded.

"Yes ma'am," Turq replied, even as she wondered how to let
Esmeralda know they were coming.

The ride was silent and fairly swift - this late at night,
traffic was at a minimum and before Turq could figure out a way to
alert Esmeralda that they were headed her way, they arrived at
Angel's Diner. Turq put the vehicle in park, then got out to open
the door for Charisma. It took several minutes for Charisma to
offer Turq her hand, but Turq was quick to take the hint and
accepted the proffered hand with alacrity.

As Charisma emerged from the back seat of the limo, they heard
the faint ringing of a bell, indicating someone had exited the
diner. Dark and light heads turned simultaneously to find
Esmeralda standing just outside the door. She didn't appear angry
or upset and Charisma blew out a small sigh of relief.

"Senator Tagherty?"

Charisma stepped forward. "Esmeralda, we're not in the Senate
building," her voice shaking just slightly. Esmeralda nodded her
acceptance and gave Charisma a slight smile.

"What can I do for you, Charisma?"

"Can we go inside?"

"I don't think that's a good idea," Esmeralda answered
softly.

"Oh," Charisma replied with more than a hint of dejection in her
tone. "I came by because I owe you an apology. I was unfair to
you and you didn't deserve my harsh words. I'm sorry."

The tender smile Esmeralda gave her almost broke Charisma's
heart. Esmeralda extended a hand and Charisma clasped it like a
lifeline, allowing Esmeralda to tug her forward until they were
only a couple feet apart.

"I really do understand, Charisma."

"Do you, Esmeralda? Do you know what it's like for your best
friend to say goodbye one day and have it be forever? No
warning... no explanation - just gone?"

"Yes, Charisma - I do." Esmeralda held Charisma's eyes and let
Charisma see a hint of the life she and Saphira had shared. Blue
eyes widened as they recognized the truth.

"How did you survive?"

"I nearly didn't," Esmeralda confessed. "But Charisma - when I
had the chance... when Saphira walked back into my life, I didn't
hesitate. I couldn't."

"How could you?" Charisma smiled sadly when Esmeralda frowned
and tilted her head. Charisma shook her head. "Nevermind, Es...
it doesn't matter. It's late and I need to get home to Adam. I
just... I just wanted to come by and apologize."

Esmeralda put a warm hand on Charisma's arm and Charisma stopped
moving before she could take a step. "Charisma, you didn't need to
apologize, but I appreciate it and if it makes you feel better, I
accept your apology. However, I would like to continue this
conversation sometime soon."

Charisma hesitated then nodded. "All right. I'd like to hear
your story." Before she could move away, Saphira stepped out of
the diner.

"Everything all right, sweetheart?" glancing between the two
women.

Esmeralda held out her hand and pulled Saphira towards them when
Saphira twined their fingers together. "Everything's fine,
Saphira. Charisma..."

"... stopped by to apologize for being rude to Esmeralda
earlier." Saphira slid her free arm around Esmeralda's waist, only
to find herself pulled forward to stand beside her. She caught
Esmeralda's eyes and Charisma watched in fascination as they held a
silent conversation. Then they turned to her and Esmeralda cleared
her throat.

Charisma extended her hand and Saphira accepted it gently. "I'm
delighted to meet you, Saphira. Esmeralda has told me so much
about you."

"The pleasure is mine, Senator. Es has spoken highly of
you."

"Please, Saphira... my name is Charisma. I'd be pleased to have
you call me such."

"Thank you, Sen... Charisma."

"Look... it's late and I really do need to get home. Can I
offer the two of you a ride somewhere?"

"Maybe another time, Charisma, though we appreciate the offer,"
Esmeralda said with a smile. "As you pointed out, it's late and
you should probably get home to Adam." Charisma narrowed her
eyes.

"This isn't because you're still upset at me for earlier, is
it?"

"No, Ri... it's because she made a promise to both of us and
she's doing her best to keep it without betraying either of us or
sharing any secrets she's been asked to keep."

At the first sound of Brianna's voice, Charisma had stiffened
but she hadn't moved. Only when Brianna stopped speaking did
Charisma look around, finding her standing casually behind her
leaning negligently against Charisma's limousine. Charisma held
her gaze for a fathomless moment, watching as a myriad of emotions
flitted across Brianna's face. Charisma felt several of them
strike a sympathetic chord in her soul and she hardened herself to
it, turning her back on Brianna as she brought her attention around
to Esmeralda. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then
opened them and started speaking.

"This is why you kept me out here, isn't it? Because you
promised me no funny business." Esmeralda nodded, holding her
breath. Charisma stepped forward and took Esmeralda in her arms,
the hug brief but fierce. "Thank you," she whispered, brushing a
kiss over the smooth cheek under her lips before she pulled away
and offered her hand to Saphira.

"It was really nice to meet you, Saphira. Perhaps sometime soon
we'll have the opportunity to sit down together and talk."

"Thank you, Charisma. We'll look forward to it."

Charisma smiled at them once more, then they watched the
professional mask of polite courtesy fall over her features before
she turned to face Brianna. Brianna straightened, but didn't move
away from the car, wondering what Charisma would do. Turq stood
perfectly still beside her door and that gave Charisma the impetus
she needed to look at Brianna.

"It was good to see you again, Brianna," her tone one of
courteous friendliness, though her expression was one of bland
tolerance. "I hope you'll enjoy your term here in Washington. Now
if you'll excuse me," motioning to Turq, who immediately opened the
door, "I must get home to my son. Goodnight, ladies," she added,
then disappeared behind the door.

Turq shut the door solidly, then ran around and crawled into the
driver's seat. Another moment and they were headed back down the
road, three pairs of eyes following them until they vanished out of
sight.

"Well," Brianna commented, her voice full of tears though she
didn't allow them to spill from her eyes. "I guess we know which
of us is Mohammed now."

"Ah, but doesn't that describe Mohammed perfectly? Wasn't it
his indifference that caused the mountain to go to him?" Saphira
inquired, despite the look Esmeralda was giving her.

Brianna shrugged wearily. "It doesn't matter tonight. I'm
going to go home - I can worry about this tomorrow."

"Let us walk you home, Brianna." Esmeralda held up a hand when
Brianna opened her lips to speak. "We don't have to talk about
Charisma anymore; we don't have to talk about anything at all
tonight if you don't feel like it. But let us take you home. It's
too late for you to be out alone."

Brianna smiled, the effort causing the tears to slide
soundlessly down her cheeks. She brushed them off impatiently,
though she never lost her smile.

"You must have old-fashioned parents," she commented. "You have
old-fashioned manners," she added when their foreheads creased with
frown lines at her statement. "That's a good thing... trust
me."

"You do realize I'll have to share this with Amber," Saphira
commented to Esmeralda. "She's been saying for years that I needed
to learn some manners." Saphira turned to Brianna. "Amber is my
sister. She thinks I'm rude and pushy."

Brianna chuckled. "Don't most siblings think that about one
another at some point?"

"Maybe," Saphira agreed with a crooked grin. "But it'll be nice
to be able to rub her face in this."

Brianna laughed out loud. Esmeralda just covered her eyes with
her hand and shook her head. Saphira looked between the two of
them.

"What?" she asked in all innocence. "Whaaaaat?"

"You girls about done out here?" came Joe's voice from the
doorway. "I'm ready to lock up and head to the house." Even
though the home he shared with Matilda was just behind the diner,
they couldn't blame him - not with the hours he worked seven days a
week.

"Sorry, Joe," Esmeralda apologized as they stepped back into the
diner to retrieve their purses.

"Not a problem, Little Es. I'd just rather be snuggled in bed
with the old woman than hanging out here if I have the choice."

Saphira snickered. "Matilda hears you calling her an old woman,
the only thing you're gonna be snuggling with is a pillow on the
couch for the duration, old man."

Joe glared. "That's why you're not gonna tell her about that,"
motioning to the three of them. "I like where I sleep."

The women snickered, then solemnly zipped their lips and tossed
the imaginary key away. After grabbing their purses from the
counter where they'd left them, they nodded goodnight to Joe as he
held the door open for them. Then they made their way towards the
Metro station, headed for home.

************

"That could've gone better," Saphira commented to Esmeralda as
she stepped from the shower.

"It could also have gone much, much worse," Esmeralda replied.
Saphira cocked her head in Esmeralda's reaction, dropping the towel
she'd been drying her hair with and picking up a comb.

"How so? I thought Charisma's lack of reaction was more cutting
than anything else could have been."

"At least she acknowledged Brianna, and Brianna can use that.
Nothing is worse than being persona non grata to the one who means
the most to you in the whole world. Brianna exists to her and
that's more than Brianna has had to hold onto for almost twenty
years."

"So Charisma gave her hope today?"

Esmeralda hesitated. "I don't know that I'd go that far.
Charisma gave Brianna acknowledgement. What Brianna chooses to do
with it will determine what happens next."

"I'm not following," Saphira confessed as she crawled into bed
next to Esmeralda.

"Brianna has several options open to her - she can aggressively
pursue Charisma, goading her into what in all likelihood will be an
angry response; she can try to re-establish their friendship,
hoping to break through Charisma's barriers by essentially killing
her with kindness; or she can leave it to Charisma to take the
initiative in deciding their next course of action."

"You don't think she'd leave the initiative to Charisma at this
point, do you?" Saphira asked, plumping her pillows and settling
down as she reached over and snapped off her bedside light.
Esmeralda finished rubbing in the lotion she'd applied and slid
further down the bed, tucking the covers up under her arms and
turning to face Saphira.

"Not really... not at this point. She gave Charisma twenty
years to take the initiative to come and find her... to find out
why she left without a word. Unless she's given up the idea of
them being together, I'd say she's gonna push Charisma until
Charisma pushes back."

"You think she will... push back, I mean?"

Esmeralda laughed and Saphira smiled, even though she didn't as
yet know what the joke was. "Sweetie, she's a passionate woman -
do you really think she won't?"

"Can she afford to? I mean... wouldn't this destroy her
career?"

"Phira, you did," Esmeralda responded softly. "You risked
everything when you came back to me, knowing the consequences...
knowing you could lose everything you cared about."

Saphira covered Esmeralda's cheek with her hand. "Not
everything, Es. When I knew you would stand beside me regardless,
it was easy to risk the rest. Does Charisma have that assurance?
Is she willing to give up everything she has worked for her whole
life for the chance to be happy with Brianna?" She paused, but
Esmeralda remained silent, seeing the thoughtful look on Saphira's
face by the moonlight that streamed through the open blinds in the
room. Her patience was quickly rewarded.

"Given what you've already told me, Charisma gave up her chance
for happiness with Brianna once by letting her go without finding
out why she left, correct?" waiting for Esmeralda to nod. "Why is
there any reason to think she wouldn't do that a second time?
After all, she doesn't know what she's missing."

"Maybe she does," Esmeralda started, before trailing off because
of Saphira's shaking head. "Saphira, she's missed having her best
friend in her life for twenty years."

"But this, Es," pulling Esmeralda into her body and embracing
her completely. She smiled wistfully when Esmeralda naturally
melted into her. "She doesn't know what it's like to have had this
and then to have lost it. And she's gonna have to be willing to
risk everything she has and everything she's known her whole life
to take a chance on having this. Do you really think she
will?"

"I don't think Brianna's going to give her a choice."

"At least you made progress tonight. They both seem to be
interested in talking to you now. Sounds like the next few weeks
could be interesting."

"Oh, they're liable to be something all right. I hope the girls
are ready for what's coming down the line because I have a feeling
there could be fireworks before it's all over."

"Yipee Ki Yay!"

Chapter XIX

"Oh my...." Amber flopped onto the bed face first, cutting off
her exclamation and drawing a sympathetic chuckle from Saphira.
Amber turned her head just enough to glare at Saphira with glowing
eyes. Saphira held up a hand in surrender, but she didn't stop
laughing. Amber just growled.

"What's wrong, Amber?" Esmeralda asked in concern. It was now
Wednesday morning following the somewhat anti-climactic meeting
between Brianna and Charisma at the diner five nights previous. As
of yet, neither of them had spoken to Esmeralda about it - doing
their best to avoid her as though they weren't sure what to say now
that the impasse had seemingly been breached. But Esmeralda had
certainly heard about it to varying degrees from every single angel
on the project. Amber was just the latest.

"They're going to kill me - or each other - before this is all
over."

Saphira frowned and crossed over to sit on the bed beside Amber.
"What happened?"

"What hasn't?" Amber countered, flipping to lie on her back.
"Push me, pull you - two steps forward, three steps back....
Honestly it's like watching a bad soap - and don't look at me like
that, Saphira," she commanded as she turned to face her. Amber
glared at the twinkle in the blue eyes facing her and her lips
twitched grudgingly. "Not a word," she instructed. Saphira just
smirked, but obediently kept silent. Amber looked back at
Esmeralda.

"I think it's time for a team meeting. I can't be the only one
getting blasted by this stuff."

"You're not. It's actually worse for the day crew because they
have to interact with them on a mortal level. Opal's got it the
worst."

"Yeah... Charisma's lucky Opal answers to a higher authority.
She'd have quit by now otherwise."

Esmeralda's brows rose into her hairline. Opal hadn't shared
that bit with her and their paths had crossed several times since
Friday night. On the other hand, Charisma had always been around
and was pricklier than a hedgehog in Esmeralda's presence.

"Okay - I hadn't heard that. I guess it is time for a meeting.
Let me get Coral and you two can tell me what's been going on at
night. I'll speak to the rest in the morning before they go to
work." She felt Saphira's eyes on her and held up a hand before
she could speak. "I know I need to rest, but it will work better
for everyone else to do it then. I promise to go right back to
bed."

"But will you sleep?"

"I'll try," Esmeralda said honestly. "It's the best I can do at
the moment. Besides, this way you and Ruby can be there as well.
I'd like your input."

"All right. We'll leave them a note so they'll be ready early
in the morning." Saphira rose. "I'll grab Coral for you. You
gonna meet in here?"

"At the table," Esmeralda answered. "They need breakfast and so
do we." Saphira nodded and headed out of the room. Esmeralda
stood to follow her, only to find her hand caught in Amber's. She
cocked an eyebrow but remained silent, waiting.

"You look a little tired still. Everything all right?"

"Everything's fine, Amber... honestly. Saphira is taking good
care of me. I'm not tired really... just frustrated. I'm
beginning to wonder if it wouldn't have been better for them to
have had a knock down, drag out fight. At least we wouldn't be
riding in this limbo."

"If it makes you feel better, I think that's coming down the
pipe sooner rather than later." Esmeralda waited but Amber shook
her head and held out a hand for Esmeralda to take. Esmeralda took
it and pulled Amber to her feet, groaning theatrically. Amber
glared at her, then smirked.

"So you're saying it's not these pants making my butt look big?"
looking inordinately pleased with herself when Esmeralda gave a
bark of unexpected laughter. She hadn't heard the sound very much
lately and it tickled her to be able to draw that response now.
Saphira stuck her head in the door, glancing first at Esmeralda's
smiling face and then to Amber's smirking one.

"Are you flirting with my best girl?" Saphira growled at Amber.
Esmeralda squeezed her hand before crossing the room to stand
beside Saphira.

"I'd better be your ONLY girl," she stated, poking Saphira in
the chest for emphasis.

Esmeralda looked into Saphira's eyes, absorbing the look of
adoration being bestowed on her. Amber making gagging sounds
behind them effectively ended the moment and they turned to glare
at her simultaneously. She held up her hands in surrender.

"I'm just going to go get some breakfast now," trying to push
between them to get out the door. Saphira smacked the back of her
head.

"And you say *I* have no manners!"

"Well, you're taking up the entire doorway. I suppose I could
have just knocked you to the ground."

Saphira snorted. "I'd like to see you try."

"All right, you two... enough!" Esmeralda broke in, rolling her
eyes at their posturing. "Honestly, anyone listening to the two of
you would think you were still toddlers," she added, moving out of
the doorway towards the kitchen and pulling Saphira with her.
Coral smirked into her coffee, having clearly heard Esmeralda's
last statement.

"Wait," she said. "You mean they're not?"

"Not. Helping." Esmeralda stated firmly when she heard growls
emanating from either side, but Coral could see the twinkle in her
eyes. She chuckled.

"Was I supposed to be?" She rose from her place at the table
and took out some hamburger and fresh produce. "Well then - take a
seat. I'll see about fixing us all something to eat."

Esmeralda moved over beside Coral to begin prepping the
vegetables, but Coral simply glared at her. Esmeralda held up her
hands in surrender, moving to take a seat at the table beside
Saphira. Amber grabbed three coffee cups, pouring them up and
topping off Coral's before passing it to her. Then she set out to
make another pot of coffee.

While it made, Amber grabbed a knife and started slicing
toppings for the hamburgers Coral was preparing. Saphira and
Esmeralda just exchanged looks, then Esmeralda cleared her throat
to speak. Coral and Amber turned their heads slightly to
acknowledge they were listening and continued their work, waiting
for Esmeralda to break the silence. It didn't take long.

"Okay... so this is a mini-team meeting since the two of you are
my night-shifters and won't be here in the morning when I sit down
with everyone else. I need to know what's going on with your
charges." She saw Coral's startled look at her and continued.
"They've been avoiding being alone with me like the plague - like
my being witness to their interaction the other night is the
ultimate embarrassment. I figure it will be another day or two
before someone breaks down and hunts me up to talk. But until
then, I need to know what's going on with them from your point of
view."

Coral and Amber gazed at one another briefly, then Amber jerked
her head towards the table and turned back to her slicing. Coral
neatly put four hamburgers into the pan, then turned to face
Esmeralda and Saphira.

"Brianna's been very cool... laid back and reserved with her
people. Indi and Jas haven't mentioned a whole lot to me at any
rate. But she seems to be intent on driving Charisma crazy."

Esmeralda cocked her head. "How do you mean?"

Coral shook her head. "You'll have to talk to the rest of the
team; I haven't seen anything myself."

"All right. Then what have you seen? How is she spending her
nights?"

"Sedately. She's been leaving her office early as you know,"
waiting for Esmeralda to nod, "then coming back later to work
alone. Since she's been sending Indi home, my watch starts
there."

"But she's not in contact with Charisma then?"

"No. Her time in the late evenings seems to be dedicated to
actually working on Senate stuff - please don't ask me what
exactly. I haven't figured out all that mumbo-jumbo they use in
those stacks and stacks of paper."

Esmeralda chuckled. "Don't feel bad, Coral. I don't think they
understand a majority of it. Hence the reason for the stacks and
stacks... clarification."

Coral grinned and turned back to the burgers, flipping them
smoothly before looking at Esmeralda again. "Probably."

"So what happens once you leave there?"

"We go back to her apartment and she maps out ways to get
Charisma's attention." Amber whipped around, but Esmeralda asked
the question.

"Excuse me?"

Coral shrugged her shoulders. "You heard me. So far, every
night she's pulled out a legal pad and made a list of ways to be
nice, ways to aggravate, ways to grab her attention - and let me
tell you... some of what I've seen on *that* list are REAL doozies
- ways to offer Charisma her support. You name it, Brianna's been
thinking about it."

"And I haven't heard about any of this before now
because...?"

"There's really not anything to tell," Coral replied
practically. "She makes a list, then she wads it up and throws it
away."

Esmeralda closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose.
She smiled when Saphira moved behind her smoothly and began a
gentle kneading of her shoulders. After a moment, she turned her
attention back to Coral who was just lifting the burgers from the
pan. "Is there anything else?"

Coral nodded. "When she throws the list away, she pulls out an
album - the same album every night. From what Amber's said and
what I can figure out, it's twin to the one that Charisma keeps
locked away in her home office." Es nodded but didn't speak.
"Brianna's gone through it twice since I was assigned to her
Friday, but usually she stops on a singular picture and...." She
stopped and shrugged. "She studies them is the best way to
describe it - memorizing or reliving or...." Another pause. "I
don't know. I'm not really sure how to describe it."

Esmeralda nodded again. "Is it always the same photograph?"

"No," Coral denied immediately. "In fact, it hasn't been the
same one yet." She put the burger patties on the buns Amber had
ready and moved the plates to the able. Amber placed the sliced
vegetables she'd prepared in the center with the condiments and she
and Coral to their places. Coral returned her attention to
Esmeralda. "Is that important, do you think?"

"I think everything's important at this point," Esmeralda stated
plainly. "We can't afford to overlook anything." She turned to
Amber, just as she took a large bite of her burger. "What about
you?"

Amber glared at her and held up a hand, chewing and swallowing
as rapidly as she could manage without choking. "You've been
taking lessons from Saphira, haven't you?" narrowing her eyes in
Esmeralda's direction and garnering her a full-bodied laugh from
everyone at the table. She swallowed the rest of her food and took
a healthy draught of coffee.

"Better?" Saphira asked with more than a hint of laughter in her
voice.

"Love conquers all," Esmeralda repeated, this time allowing a
fond smile to etch itself on her face. Amber's head hit the
table.

"I give up. I can't compete with all the mush around here. You
guys are killing me." The other two snorted, but Coral patted her
back.

"Sit up and tell your story. Surely watching over Charisma
gives you a break from all the mush these two provide."

Amber glared at her. "You have *no* idea." She sighed and
looked at her plate. "You have no idea how lucky you are to be
following Brianna instead of Charisma. I mean... she seems kind of
mellow about the whole thing, right? Maybe making a few plans and
doing some reminiscing, but for the most part she's calm at the
moment, isn't she?"

"Yeah," Coral nodded. "I expect that to change sooner or later,
but for now she seems pretty much in control of things."

"And she's not overly concerned with how this affects her
career, is she? I mean... Brianna has a job to go back to if she
decides this political thing isn't working out for her or she gets
voted out at the end of this term - politics has never been a
long-term goal for her."

"Right," Coral agreed again.

"This is all Charisma has. Aside from her son, politics is her
life. It's all she's ever known... all she's ever wanted to do
with her life. And Brianna Walker is poised to take all of that
away."

Coral tilted her head in question. "Why would she?"

Amber shook her head, curls bouncing all over in an effort to
make her point. "I'm not saying she would... or that she even
wants to. I'm trying to make you see things from Charisma's point
of view. To her, Brianna Walker is a threat - to her and
everything she knows... everything she cares about. And yet for
all that, I don't think she wants to destroy Brianna."

"What do you think she wants?" asked Saphira. Esmeralda nodded,
telling Amber she wondered the same thing.

Amber blew out a breath. "I think what she really wants is for
this all to have never been. Barring that...."

"Wait... all of what? Brianna and her ever becoming friends?
Brianna leaving her twenty years ago? Brianna showing up in her
life now? What??"

"Yes," Amber stated emphatically. Amber got up to pace,
mindless of the food that sat cooling on her plate. After a few
moments, Esmeralda grabbed her by the hand. Amber met her eyes and
blew out a breath before she resumed her place at the table.

"Give me your impressions, Amber. I need to know what you
think."

"Well, I think you should expect her to talk to you soon."
Amber paused. "She's gonna have to before she blows a gasket."

"What do you mean? I thought she already had... blown a gasket,
I mean."

"Oh she has, according to Opal, but it's been contained to her
staff. Fortunately for her, her staff is heavenly and has learned
to deal with the devil in a number of different ways. But if
something doesn't change soon, she's gonna do something in public
and that could destroy her. So I think she'll come looking to talk
to Es to prevent that. After all - you owe her a story and can
relate to hers."

"I'm safe."

"Exactly. And since she's spent the last several nights pacing
and ranting and not sleeping...."

Esmeralda bit her lip thoughtfully. "Maybe I should force the
issue," watching three sets of eyebrows jump to their foreheads.
"Nono... not like that. When I get to work tonight, I'll send Opal
and the girls home. Charisma will talk to me if there's no way for
her to hide behind work."

"She'll have a come apart," Amber cautioned.

"Probably. But she's not stupid. And if it gets things moving
again...."

Amber cocked her head. "I'll be there," she stated firmly.

"Amber...."

"Es, Saphira can't be there and I'd prefer you not be left alone
if she's gonna go postal on you."

"Amber, you can't."

"Es, she won't be able to see me."

"But I will. And I can't share with her if I know you're
there."

Amber was silent for a long moment. They all knew how Esmeralda
worked, so she should have expected the objection. But with all
she had been through recently....

"I don't like it," she finally said, "but I respect your
reasoning. I will be there," holding up her hand when Esmeralda's
lips parted in protest. "But I'll wait outside - beyond my ability
to hear normal conversation. So if you need me, you'll only need
to holler and I'll be there."

"All right then... you need to finish eating and get to bed.
I'll give you a call before I head to Charisma's office. She's
usually my last stop, and there's no reason for you to have to be
there for hours on end just waiting."

"Okay - just make sure you call me."

"I will. Thanks for breakfast, Coral. Thank you both for your
reports. I don't feel quite so out of the loop now."